An all-time low for Centrelink? Man with Parkinson’s disease denied disability support
Jamie Tartoosie, a man suffering from Parkinson's Disease, says he is “not getting better”.
For the past 11 years, Mr Tartootise has been an employee with Woolworths but eventually was left no choice but to resign when his condition became so intense, he physically could not complete the required tasks asked of him after collapsing.
“I’m not going to get better, it’s gradual, I’ll go downhill, bit by bit. Getting out of bed or up, out of a chair – that’s a struggle,” he told A Current Affair.
The man said it was suggested he look into receiving a Disability Support Pension - however, Centrelink firmly denied the request.
“It’s at least 18 months, or even up to two years sometimes before I even get considered for the DSP and until then I’ve got to go on Newstart,” he said.
TONIGHT. #9ACA.
Jamie suffers from Parkinson's.
So how come he can't get the disability support pension? pic.twitter.com/A9fRxbBTiy— A Current Affair (@ACurrentAffair9) September 24, 2019
Despite his crippling disability and employer support stating it was unsafe for him to work, Centrelink did not approve his application.
The welfare department stated he would have to complete workplace training for a minimum of 18 months to be considered eligible.
Tartootise said he was placed into “job support training”, and is now on a newstart allowance of $250 a week.
The lowly-paid welfare payment is a controversial topic among many who are divided on whether it is a fair amount to give any unemployed person.
“Who’s going to employ someone with Parkinson’s, knowing that they’re only going to get worse and not better?” he said.
Since speaking with A Current Affair, Tartootise had support to convice Centrelink to assist him financially.
He has now been placed on the Disability Support Pension after further investigation determined he was, in fact, too ill to work.