Jan McLucas (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Ageing, Disabilities and Carers) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Can the minister confirm that Centrelink requires people to inform it of a change in their circumstances within 14 days, including the purchase or sale of any shares or investments? Doesn’t Centrelink’s website state that a failure to do so leaves the individual open to the criminal charge of fraud and a possible fine or a requirement to do community service hours? Can the minister confirm that age pensioners, single parents and people on a disability pension have to comply with this requirement? How can the government insist that individuals comply with these requirements while excusing a senator who repeatedly failed to meet his obligations to report significant share dealings over many years?