Fed: Review into social security penalties launched

AAP General News (Australia)
08-20-2001
Fed: Review into social security penalties launched

Charity groups, unions and job network providers have banded together to fund an independent
review of the Commonwealth social security system.

The review, launched today by the Australian Council of Social Service, follows revelations
that thousands of disadvantaged people are being denied benefits for breaching their conditions
of payment.

Former Commonwealth ombudsman and administrative law specialist, Professor DENNIS PEARCE,
will head the $70,000 investigation.

The move follows the federal government's announcement last week that Centrelink would
conduct its own review of the system.

ACOSS president MICHAEL RAPER says the government's review is restricted to administrative
matters and fails to examine legal or policy issues.

Mr RAPER has denied the independent review is aimed at embarrassing the government
ahead of the election later this year.

Figures obtained by ACOSS and the National Welfare Rights Network earlier this month
revealed a 189 per cent increase in the number of penalties being imposed on disadvantaged
people.

AAP RTV ls/jjs/rsm/rt

KEYWORD: BREACHES ACOSS (YDNEY)

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