Services Australia has announced that its temporary amnesty on debt repayments during the COVID-19 pandemic is to be lifted in February of next year.
Minister for Government Services, Stuart Robert said the Agency would gradually begin debt-raising activity from 2 November this year, except for areas that remained in a state of disaster such as Victoria.
Mr Robert said delaying full debt recovery until February 2021 recognised the difficulties many people were still facing.
“It will provide time for people to consider their circumstances, engage with Services Australia about their options in a transparent way and plan for their future,” Mr Robert said.
“This could include adjusting the information they are reporting to Services Australia.”
He said Services Australia would work with people to make the process as clear and simple as possible. The Agency would explain how debts arose, where to go for more information, how to self-service and offer other support.
“During the period between debt raising and recovery, people will be able to commence repayments of their debt voluntarily,” Mr Robert said.
“People continue to have the option of re-paying any over-payments assessed prior to the debt pause if they choose to and it can be managed within their personal circumstances.”
He said Services Australia had a range of services to help people manage an over-payment including online tools and specialist staff such as social workers who could provide short-term counselling, information and referrals to other services for Australians in need.
