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How Centrelink illegally cancelled jobseeker payments

Oct 26, 2025
Kate Kelly, an inequality reporter at Guardian Australia, sheds light on the alarming illegal cancellation of Centrelink payments affecting hundreds of thousands. She shares the harrowing story of Daniel, who battled homelessness after his payments were cut off. Kelly explores how mutual obligations can be harmful and reveals the staggering scale of suspensions and cancellations. Echoing concerns from advocates, she calls for the abolition of these regulations while drawing parallels to the Robodebt scandal, highlighting the urgent need for reform.
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ANECDOTE

Man Loses Years After Illegal Cancellation

  • Daniel lived three years fighting Centrelink after an illegal cancellation and became homeless as his life unraveled.
  • Kate Kelly reports he eventually won nearly $53,000 in back pay after taking the case to tribunal.
ANECDOTE

Fight Through Reviews To Win Back Pay

  • Daniel repeatedly sought help, faced internal reviews that upheld cancellations, then pursued tribunal action.
  • Centrelink then reversed and backpaid him nearly three years when tribunal action was imminent.
ANECDOTE

Health Crises Met With Suspensions

  • People have had payments suspended while in hospital or recovering from major surgery because they missed provider meetings.
  • Kate Kelly notes some filed paperwork to inform Centrelink but were still penalised by private providers.
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