As a result of action taken by the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s office, some families should now receive their $600 child bonus family payment sooner than Centrelink had previously advised.

The Commonwealth Ombudsman, Prof. John McMillan said that his office had received complaints from families who had not been paid their $600 per child payment in June. The bonus payment had been automatically paid to families who, on Budget Night on 11 May 2004, were entitled to receive fortnightly instalments of Family Tax Benefit Part A.

Some parents who complained to the Ombudsman had been told that they could not be paid their bonus payment in June because their family tax benefit had been cancelled prior to Budget Night. This was despite the fact their family tax benefit had since been restored and backdated to when it had been cancelled.

Prof McMillan said that he had formed the view that there was no legal reason why these families could not be paid now. The Department of Family and Community Services agreed with the Ombudsman’s view, and was taking steps to ensure that payments will be made to following families:

• Some families will receive the bonus payment under an administrative scheme that had been established by the Department independently of the Ombudsman’s investigation.
• Families who were not required to lodge a 2003–04 tax return will receive their bonus payment in the next week or so if Centrelink is made aware that they do not need to lodge a tax return.
• Other families are advised to clarify their position by lodging their 2003-04 tax return as soon as possible. Any family entitled to the payment will receive payment once their return is lodged and their income is reconciled.

Date of release: 2 August 2004