Hundreds of thousands of Centrelink payments cancelled illegally, Albanese government admits
The Albanese government has acknowledged that approximately 300,000 Centrelink payments were illegally cancelled due to a glitch in the automated mutual obligations system. This issue has raised concerns about the use of automated systems in welfare management, as many individuals were not given adequate time to reconnect with job providers. The government is currently reviewing its employment services system to address these shortcomings.
- ▪The number of illegal Centrelink cancellations is estimated to be around 300,000.
- ▪The cancellations were caused by a glitch in the automated system managing mutual obligations.
- ▪Payments have been paused since July 2024 due to these issues.
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The number of illegal Centrelink cancellations was in ‘the vicinity’ of 300,000, said representatives for the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. Photograph: Darren England/AAPView image in fullscreenThe number of illegal Centrelink cancellations was in ‘the vicinity’ of 300,000, said representatives for the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. Photograph: Darren England/AAPCentrelinkHundreds of thousands of Centrelink payments cancelled illegally, Albanese government admitsSenate estimates hearing told issues caused by a glitch in the automated system that runs the controversial mutual obligations scheme Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Cait KellyWed 3 Jun 2026 02.24 EDTLast…
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