Senate debates

Thursday, 16 August 2018

Questions without Notice: Additional Answers

Centrelink

3:07 pm

Photo of Concetta Fierravanti-WellsConcetta Fierravanti-Wells (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | | Hansard source

I wish to add to remarks I made in question time yesterday in response to a question from Senator Siewert regarding debt recovery to people with a vulnerability indicator who are receiving income support. I've confirmed that no farmers have been included in the initial phase of the trial.

I also wish to add to an answer regarding your question, Senator Siewert, about the number of people involved in the trial. I am advised that less than 300 people have been contacted by the Department of Human Services to update their details in the initial phase. Further, I can advise the Senate that the Department of Human Services ceased contacting recipients in these cohorts on 2 August 2018 whilst the minister assesses the recent outcomes.