ACOSS has welcomed the Federal Government's announcement today that victim-survivors of family and domestic violence will no longer be held liable for Centrelink debts incurred under coercive control and abuse.
Reforms announced today by Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek will expand special waiver provisions to allow Centrelink decision makers to waive debts that arose through coercive control and domestic violence.
"No one should be punished for the abuse they endured. This is a long overdue and very welcome reform," ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie AO said.
"Victim-survivors should not have to be punished twice, first by their abuser and then by being forced to repay debts that were never truly theirs. This reform will go a long way to limiting the harm caused.
"Reforms like this are essential to building a system that supports people in their time of need, rather than compounding trauma and harm.
"It is completely unacceptable that people living on the lowest incomes who are exposed to coercive control and abuse have been forced to carry debts that entrenched their hardship," Dr Goldie said.
"People relying on income support already suffer from severe stress and worry about putting food on the table, let alone paying off a debt that doesn't belong to them and is a reminder of hardship."
ACOSS congratulated Economic Justice Australia for their advocacy on this issue.
"We want to recognise the tenacious advocacy of our colleagues at Economic Justice Australia who have been tireless in their efforts to bring about these reforms," Dr Goldie said.
