Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

This is what Sandra Bevan had to say:

… it was these threats of taking money directly out of my pay or out of my bank account, from my tax return. … it was … such a weight on my shoulders. … I do remember driving home at night just beside myself with worry about this money and thinking—

to quote her—

I could just drive my car into a tree and make it stop …

My kids needed me. They had already lost their dad. And I was trying my best to … keep the roof over our head.

Matthew Thompson appeared at the commission as well. He, incorrectly, was told he owed $11,000. He said this:

The Robodebt Scheme has had a lasting effect on me … as it has on many others. It … made my mental health worse. It made me feel like a criminal and a cheat.

He said:

It really messed me up.

He said, 'The ministers who gave evidence were referred to as "the honourable", but, given what they said or did, I don't think they are honourable, and I don't think they deserve to be called "honourable".'

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