Centrelink investigation not opened by privacy commissioner

Australian Information and Privacy Commissioner Timothy Pilgrim has announced in a statement that his office has not opened an investigation into the Centrelink automated debt recovery system that has seen some letters demanding money repayment sent in error to welfare recipients.

Pilgrim said his office has been in contact with the Department of Human Services (DHS) as well as the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman, however no investigation into the matter has been opened as a result.

"My office works closely with DHS and other government agencies to ensure they understand their privacy obligations and adopt best practice when undertaking data-matching activities," Pilgrim said Friday.