10 January 2017: Centrelink complaints

The Commonwealth Ombudsman has received complaints about the automated data matching system being used by Centrelink and has commenced an own motion investigation.

The following information may be of assistance to users of the system:

• Call the Department of Human Services compliance number if you are experiencing difficulty with your Centrelink online account. You can find this number via the help icon[?] located in the top right-hand corner of the screen when using the system
• You may ask the Department of Human Services for a review by an Authorised Review Officer if an adverse decision is made
• Call DHS Feedback and Complaints on 1800 132 468 if you wish to give feedback or make a complaint
• If you need legal advice contact your local National Welfare Rights Network www.welfarerights.org.au organisations or Legal Aid www.nationallegalaid.org
• Visit the NWRN website for factsheets to assist with these issues www.welfarerights.org.au/news/2017/1/9/new-factsheet-centrelink-online-debt-system
• Visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission website for information about what to do if you are contacted by a debt collector: www.accc.gov.au/publications/debt-collection-guideline-for-collectors-creditors
• Visit the National Debt Helpline for information to assist with managing debt www.ndh.org.au