The federal government is standing by its controversial Centrelink debt recovery system despite widespread criticism.
Human Services Minister Alan Tudge insists the automated process is not flawed, saying more than $300 million worth of overpayments has been correctly recouped.
“The system is working and we will continue with that system,” he told ABC radio this morning.
[...]
“There are three opportunities for individuals to update their records if a discrepancy is identified,” he said.
He denied reports a man had to call Centrelink 350 times to try resolve his matter, but acknowledged wait times can be long on occasions.
“Yes, sometimes people do have to wait longer than what they would like to wait. We simply ask them to be patient, that they will get through or they can go into a Centrelink office.”