Centrelink still sending threats to vulnerable clients
Centrelink has once again been criticised for its heavy-handed tactics, with the government agency accused of sending clients “intimidating” and “threatening” texts.
These accusations come just a week after the agency was attacked for inappropriately using the logo of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on letters to clients.
The messages were reportedly sent to welfare recipients, urging them to update their personal details as part of its fraud crackdown called Taskforce Integrity.
Source: SMH
Greens senator Rachel Siewert accused the government of deliberately using intimidating tactics to target vulnerable welfare recipients who had done nothing wrong.
"I'm aware of one young recipient of these messages who is on (Disability Support Pension) with psychosocial disability. How can the government claim to take mental health issues seriously and then treat those with mental ill-health so callously?" she said.
"This is the action of an authoritarian government and shows contempt for people, fairness and process."
But the Department of Human Services defended its actions, saying the messages were merely designed to educate welfare recipients about their obligations.
Human Services Minister Alan Tudge said, "I think the taxpayer is quite happy to support those who are down on their luck at any particular time.
“They also expect there to be integrity in the welfare system and we have a robust system of ensuring that and recouping money when it has been overpaid."
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