Ross Hart MP voiced his concerns today at the handling by the Turnbull Government of their Centrelink robo-debt mess.
“I have had near constant enquiries to my office for assistance with these Centrelink debts”, Mr Hart said.
“Since a social media call out earlier this week, requests for my help have significantly increased, many from constituents whose debts are obviously incorrect”, he added.
“Clearly, what I have seen up until now is only the tip of the iceberg. Taken with delays in Medicare refunds, you really need to question whether this Government understands the pressures of day-to-day life and the importance of an efficient, fair and just Centrelink and Medicare systems”, Mr Hart said.
“I am particularly concerned about Centrelink customers who are experiencing hardship as a result of the robo-debt mess”.
“I have heard of several cases where repayment deductions are taken from customers’ payments before they are even conscious of their ability to even dispute the debt”.
“Unlike Human Services Minister Alan Tudge, I do not believe that people should have to hand over their money until they prove their innocence”, he said.
“Mr Tudge needs to know that the people of Bass will not take this lying down. Labor will listen and will fight to overturn this disaster of a program”, Mr Hart added.
ROSS HART MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BASS
