Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Green for her follow-up question in relation to this matter. As I advised the senator in the chamber on Wednesday, following her question on Tuesday, I contacted and spoke to the mayor of Townsville, Mayor Jenny Hill, and explained to her that the Department of Social Services had not commenced debt recovery in the Townsville area, and I expressed to the mayor that there was no intention for that to occur.

I did, however, say at the time—and I also relayed this information to the senator opposite on Wednesday—that if there had been any instance of debt recovery in Townsville, and they were aware of it, that they should please bring it to my attention so that I can take action, because I stand by my comments that no debt recovery has commenced in Townsville. If, by some fluke or accident, a debt recovery action has been undertaken of which I am unaware, I wish to know it so that I can stop it.