debt

Thursday, October 01

Terrible budget numbers are a best-case scenario

The pandemic has blown a massive, lasting hole in Australia’s finances – but the numbers could get worse. Peter Martin explains.

Centrelink debt freeze causes Family Tax Benefit stress

A lack of transparency around how Centrelink’s Family Tax Benefit is balanced has seen some payments stalled, leaving welfare recipients stressed and confused about potential money owed amid the agency’s debt freeze imposed due to coronavirus.

Photo: supplied

Tax office rips $200m from returns over claimed Centrelink debts

The Australian Taxation Office has collected more than $200 million in the past three years from the tax refunds of Centrelink recipients to recoup overpayments.

Debt warning as credit agency voices doubts on budget savings

A major credit rating agency has sounded an ominous caution over Rob Lucas’s debt-laden state budget, warning its projected savings “could be difficult to achieve” – which would see further borrowing to balance the books.