Statements
The Saturday Paper: Centrelink’s debt collection ‘pushed him over the edge’
Late last year 28-year-old Rhys Couzza began receiving aggressive letters from a debt collection agency representing Centrelink. They demanded the immediate repayment of almost $18,000. Then it was $10,000. There was no explanation.
Rhys, who had suffered from severe depression for many years, had several consultations with the Department but continued to receive threats of legal action and “garnishing” of wages. Following a visit from the debt collection agency, he committed suicide.
Martin McKenzie-Murray reports on a blunt, cruel and inscrutable system of debt collection that continues to cause misery.
Plus: Paul Bongiorno on Malcolm Turnbull’s desperate game of personal politics, and Mike Gilligan on how Australia’s defence force must do more with less.
The Saturday Paper here:
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The%20Saturday%20Briefing%20144&utm_content=The%20Saturday%20Briefing%20144+CID_56835ac25b5acfc0b284ab95e052de75&utm_source=EDM&utm_term=VISIT%20WEBSITE
The Saturday Paper