Legal Aid has joined forces with community legal centres to give timely and independent legal advice for these people, including those who have received a so-called “robo-debt” or automated debt notice.

Anyone calling LawAccess in relation to a Centrelink debt will be contacted by Legal Aid or a community legal centre within 48 hours so that they can receive advice.

Senior Legal Aid solicitor Julie Maron said they could help anyone affected by Centrelink debts.

“Anecdotally we regularly see people who have Centrelink debt issues, whether it’s robo-debt or in other circumstances,” Ms Maron said. 

“We can provide free legal advice and assist anyone in person or by phone if they want to challenge or appeal a debt and if so, we can help with the process.”

Legal Aid NSW executive director Monique she wanted people to understand their options if they got a debt notice they didn't agree with.

“In many cases, people who have been told they owe a debt only have a short window in which to respond,” Ms Hitter said. “So it’s important that anyone in this situation is able to access legal advice quickly.”

Welfare Rights Centre co-ordinator Katherine Boyle said she had seen a steady increase in the number of people seeking help responding to a Centrelink debt in recent months.

“This is an important step that will give vulnerable people on extremely low incomes a clear starting point to get legal advice and support,” Ms Boyle said.

Lawyers can advise on challenging a debt, Freedom of Information requests and the appeals process.

Call LawAccess on 1300 888 529 to receive free legal information and referrals to legal services. You can also visit www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au.

LawAccess respects callers’ privacy and will only pass on callers’ details to Legal Aid or partner community legal centres with their consent.