The example also includes the potential impact of the flow-on for this family.
Centre Link requires a form, sent to the client every 12 weeks to be completed and returned. However, time constraints between receiving and returning the form is so short that the deadlines are frequently missed. Sometimes, the form is not even sent until after the pension has been stopped.
The problem may be computer based, (well I hope it is not human), automatically cutting off payments. When contacting Centre Link, it is manually fixed, but the family has to wait a further two-4 days or even until the next pension date, before the backdated pensions are paid. This means that they may not have the funds to buy food, clothing or pay accounts.
Often, some of these parents contact me for assistance.
The flow-on impact results in late payment of e.g. rent, power water, gas, etc., incurring late bank and other fines or even threats of eviction. In one case I speak, why, if the client has an exemption must she still fill out a form stating whether she is searching for work, etc?
In this case, the mother is likely to be a fulltime Carer for one or more, for most of her life, hence does not need the extra stress created by unthinking and uncompassionate bureaucracy adding to her day-to-day issues.
This is a regular issue and while sometimes the system does get it right, it is more often wrong.
We need better policy development that treats a country's citizens with compassion, respect and tolerance. “But for the grace of God” anyone of us could be in this situation, including the well off.
continued

Richie
While I appreciate the importance of teaching skills to live independently I am a little confused as to how Centrelink can be seen to do this.
For eg the 20 minutes of a doctors time to complete a form (that was completed 3 months ago) for an individual who has a permanent disability? The time would be better spent seeing someone who is actually sick, when the facts have already been documented in great detail.

If the intention was to support independence why are there no Centrelink offices in the CBD? For those of us who work and have children with a disability or other reasons to have ongoing contact with Centrelink this means a half day off work every time we need to submit anything to them. Why? I can apply for and receive a passport more easily than comply with Centrelink's paperwork requirements for a child whose birth certificate has been on file for 16 years.

If my child with a disability is supposed to be supported in her independence, Centrelink would not tell us the only option for her payment to continue after she becomes an adult (at 16) is for her to provide new proof of identity. That would be fine if the ID did not have to be presented at a Centrelink office - not certified copy, not shown at a Post Office. Taken to Centrelink. Who are suburbs away, (no wheelchair accessible transport) and only open during the week when she is at or travelling to and from school.

The ID she actually has that they will accept if she posts it to them? Medicare card and student card. Guess what? She's disabled and she goes to school - she needs them.

When someone has a disability they are vulnerable - because everything is more complex and takes more steps, more planning, more information, more money. Surely you are not saying that dealing with Centrelink and their inability to make it simple is teaching the disabled a valuable life lesson?