New funding to enable Centrelink payment cancellations ignores rot at the heart of welfare compliance
More public servants will not protect welfare recipients from rampant abuse by unaccountable, outsourced welfare cops
“Vague and incoherent”: Ombudsman on the government’s plan for people affected by unlawful Centrelink payment cancellations
Today the Ombudsman released a 2nd damning report into the administration of compulsory activities showing DEWR provides misleading communication to people on Centrelink payments, plus issues with the “quality, consistency and appropriateness” of provider decisions.
Second damning report exposes government negligence on payment suspensions
It is clear this report is nothing more than an attempt to cover the department’s ass so it can prop up the system of punishment it outsources to unaccountable welfare cops who profit from poverty.
Damning Ombudsman report shows government must stop Centrelink payment suspensions
Welfare recipients and community sector organisations are calling for an urgent intervention by government to stop Centrelink payment suspensions, which cause severe financial hardship and turmoil in the lives of poor people.
Employment secretary admits to questionable legality of Centrelink payment penalties, refuses to pause suspensions
Today the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations secretary Natalie James has revealed there are legal questions over tens of thousands of decisions – decisions that reduced or cancelled people’s Centrelink payments – made under the Targeted Compliance Framework.
Senate estimates hearing shows Minister Watt must do whatever is necessary to end “mutual” obligations
Further revelations that this system may not even be lawful is enough to end "mutual" obligations once and for all.
IT outage chaos: “Mutual” obligations must be suspended to stop distress and confusion for welfare recipients
Since last Monday, IT issues have plagued government systems that welfare recipients must use to receive their Centrelink payment on time.
No solace for distressed welfare recipients in Workforce Australia inquiry response
4 million payment suspension notices were issued since the Workforce Australia inquiry was announced – how many more people will suffer while we wait for promised change?
Burke must immediately pause Centrelink payment suspensions following Workforce Australia inquiry report
Government inquiry admits deeply flawed system – millions of suspension notices were issued in the year of the inquiry
Burke must protect welfare recipients affected by WA fires
70,000 people on Centrelink payments in WA are being subjected to unsafe heat and bushfire risk under threat of payment cuts