Debt occurred 2005/2006. I didn't receive a letter in the mail as I haven't been with Centrelink for few years, and they did not have my current address. Last year 2016 when I did my tax return I didn't receive any money from the tax agent after calling the agent into why I didn't receive my money they explained that it all went to Centrelink, I than had to phone Centrelink to find out why my tax money had been taken. I told them I haven't been with them for couple of years and I don't understand why this has come up now rather than when I was on Centrelink couple of years ago, as the issue arose from 2006-2007 and last time I was on Centrelink was 2014. They told me I had to get pay slips from previous jobs and send through, I did this and I have still not heard from Centrelink. Centrelink has still not sent me "the letter" stating I owe money.
I also don't understand why Centrelink did not phone me to double check if my address is updated for them to send a letter to.
Disgusting. Its very sad that as soon as they need money for the budget they decide to screw the first people they see. I have only been on Centrelink in my time when I am without a job or part time work where I receive part payment for not working many hours. Now for this I have had my tax returns taken by Centrelink. Might not be lodging many in the future if this keeps happening. I have been working a full time job for over 2 years and expecting me to repay back $5000, which I don't have any paperwork to say I owe the money.
I am guessing they noticed I was no longer with Centrelink and thought grab that one they must be a worker, lets screw them over.