Australian Federal Police and Centrelink target welfare cheats
Centrelink has sent out letters with the Australian Federal Police logo warning Australians on welfare to update their personal details.
The letters were sent out in July under the heading “Taskforce Integrity”, warning welfare recipients from withholding information to dishonestly receive payments.
An estimated 38,000 residents across four locations were informed the task force, run by the Department of Human Services and AFP, was working in their community.
“The majority of our customers do the right thing and tell us about changes to their information,” AFP Assistant Commissioner Andrea Quinn wrote.
“We also know that sometimes people make honest mistakes, however, customers who deliberately withhold or provide false or misleading information could be committing fraud.”
The letter lists various punishments for welfare fraud including criminal records and prison sentences.
It also encourages recipients to dob suspected fraudsters.
Some accused Centrelink of harassing and threatening vulnerable Australians with the letters.
Cassandra Goldie from the Australian Council of State Service believes that the letters were inappropriate.
“It is completely inappropriate for the government to send letters to income support recipients with the Australian Federal Police logo asking if their details are up to date,” Dr Goldie told AAP.
“These letters are threatening and completely disregard any mental health issue a person may have.”
A Human Services spokesman explained that the taskforce and letter target specific areas with high risks of welfare fraud.
“Taskforce Integrity isn’t about prosecuting people who make genuine mistakes, it’s about enforcing the law and deterring those who set out to commit welfare fraud,” the spokesman told AAP.
Opposition human services spokeswoman Linda Burney said it is practical to stop welfare fraud but the letters went too far.
“Whether it’s the robo-debt debacle or inserting the AFP’s logo onto Centrelink letterheads, this government is only interested in victimising and harassing vulnerable Australians,” Ms Burney said.
“The government’s approach to ensuring the income security of vulnerable and down on their luck Australians is to delay, defer and deny.”