To claim that CentreLnk took tax returns 'in accordance with the law' is like claiming the Nazi's appropriated Jewish property 'in accordance with the law'; it may be true but it does not make it right. There are legal procedures to recover debts, including going to court and proving the debt exists whereapon the court can order garnishment of financial assets. Having an anonymous official make an administrative decision is too authoritarian/fascist/communistic for my blood. 

How else can they make the Budget a Surplus if they don't RIP OFF the needy and the down and out? Typical of this Government. Make sure they can get a pay rise without any questions being asked but not so for the ordinary people of this country. 

To put this in perspective, if the debt was reduced it may have meant that the original amount was challenged and both parties agreed that there was a debt to be repaid of $2117. Centrelink then deducted the $2117 and left a balance of tax refund for the woman. Garnishees are legal and can be served on a financial institution, an employer or the ATO.

I'm surprised that a complainant would seek the services of a barrister who would charge thousands a day in lieu of a solicitor. I note that we are not told whether the debt of $10230.97 was challenged or, if so, the outcome of the challenge. 

From memory there is a box you have to untick on your tax return if you don't want them to pay any outstanding Centrelink debts. If she didn't untick this box then they have the right to colelct from her tax refund. 

Centrelink is not free money, it's taxpayer-funded, so all recipients should keep their record straight, advise Centrelink of all changes immediately and they shouldn't have a problem. People should be appreciative of the assistance Centrelink give them. Wake up and take responsibility for your own lives. The country doesn't owe you a living. Most older Australians appreciate the help Centrelink gives them through pensions eccetera, as a thank you for years of taxes payed and improvement to this once great country. Pity the same can't be said for this younger generation of bludgers. Regards Jacka.

It is just typical of this inept fascist LNP government that the Centrelink jack-boots are being applied.

Saw the story.  ALmost criminal behaviour as there is apparently NO PROOF of the debt.  I imagine a lawyer will do this pro bono one day and Centrelink will go down in a heap as nowhere else in the financial system I am aware of is a creditor allowed to take money with proving it has a legitimate right to it.  So where's the detailed paperwork Centrelink.  'You owe us' is not an acceptable reason and it should be treated as fraud and/or theft.

its just typical of these ignorant labor stooges that engage the mouth before their tiny brains.