Andrew moved amendments to the Government’s Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025 to re-introduce a six-year limitation on debt recovery actions by Services Australia, as recommended by the Robodebt Royal Commission. This would mean Centrelink debts couldn’t be suddenly raised on payments people received over 6 years ago. You can watch his contribution below:
“It’s a recognition that if six years or more has passed, you shouldn’t suddenly have Services Australia notifying you of Centrelink debts and demanding immediate payment or requesting evidence which most people would long ago have lost or discarded. Even the ATO only requires us to keep evidence for five years.
I’m proud that we have a comprehensive income support system in this country, but I think that, even despite the Robodebt Royal Commission, people often forget or ignore the pain, frustration and terror the system can inflict on people.
A debt notice is a frightening thing at any time. But one from a government agency which relates to a payment you might have received 10 years ago, for which you might have no documentation and perhaps only the faintest memory of your circumstances… That’s terrifying.
It’s no wonder the core of the Robodebt Royal Commission’s findings was the simple fact that government services need to return to providing Australians access to an effective income support system, and to ensure that they are treated with respect and dignity when they do so.
I would like to think that this Government would have this goal as their guiding principle. I’d like to think the Minister would consider this Bill just a very small first step of many to come, and to come quickly. Because there’s a lot that needs to be addressed. They could start with supporting my amendments and re-introducing this limitation on debt recovery of course.”