Antipoverty Centre
@antipovertycentre.org
The experts on poverty are the people who live it. Break the poverty machine #BTPM 🍞🌹🏡
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Antipoverty Centre
@antipovertycentre.org
· Dec 10
Our backgrounder on the unlawful use of Centrelink payment penalties has now been updated with key excerpts and analysis from the Ombudsman's report. Check it out here: bit.ly/TCF_backgrou...
Amanda Rishworth has decided the best response to unlawful use of welfare penalties is to spend $44 million beefing up the welfare cop apparatus.
"It will not stop the threats, the bullying, abuse and the unlawful payment suspension decisions that derail people’s lives." – @jeremypoxon.bsky.social
"It will not stop the threats, the bullying, abuse and the unlawful payment suspension decisions that derail people’s lives." – @jeremypoxon.bsky.social
Funding for Centrelink payment cancellations ignores rot at the heart of welfare compliance
More public servants will not protect welfare recipients from rampant abuse by unaccountable, outsourced welfare cops
apcentre.substack.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:39 AM
Amanda Rishworth has decided the best response to unlawful use of welfare penalties is to spend $44 million beefing up the welfare cop apparatus.
"It will not stop the threats, the bullying, abuse and the unlawful payment suspension decisions that derail people’s lives." – @jeremypoxon.bsky.social
"It will not stop the threats, the bullying, abuse and the unlawful payment suspension decisions that derail people’s lives." – @jeremypoxon.bsky.social
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Her first assistant secretary also got the arse last year for tech glitches that wrongfully punished job seekers www.innovationaus.com/gig-guide-wo...
Gig Guide: Workforce Australia exec departs after tech bungle
Employment department first assistant secretary Melissa Ryan has vacated her role leading Workforce Australia for Individuals after a series of technology issues. A department spokesperson confirmed o...
www.innovationaus.com
December 16, 2025 at 4:09 AM
Her first assistant secretary also got the arse last year for tech glitches that wrongfully punished job seekers www.innovationaus.com/gig-guide-wo...
Another public servant bites the dust who's job involved ensuring the welfare compliance machine stayed on – just one week after the 2nd Ombudsman's report on unlawful administration of penalties.
When will Labor deal with the real problem & end the thing?
www.themandarin.com.au/305013-depar...
When will Labor deal with the real problem & end the thing?
www.themandarin.com.au/305013-depar...
December 16, 2025 at 4:09 AM
Another public servant bites the dust who's job involved ensuring the welfare compliance machine stayed on – just one week after the 2nd Ombudsman's report on unlawful administration of penalties.
When will Labor deal with the real problem & end the thing?
www.themandarin.com.au/305013-depar...
When will Labor deal with the real problem & end the thing?
www.themandarin.com.au/305013-depar...
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
I boycott any "charity" that uses forced labour, including "vinnies". Any "charity" that pays no tax, and is part of the "work for the dole" bullshit, will get nothing from me. This Labor gov't has the same policies of hate and punishment of the poor, as the LNP does, I despise both of them.
December 12, 2025 at 3:17 AM
I boycott any "charity" that uses forced labour, including "vinnies". Any "charity" that pays no tax, and is part of the "work for the dole" bullshit, will get nothing from me. This Labor gov't has the same policies of hate and punishment of the poor, as the LNP does, I despise both of them.
These corporate charities claim they exist to help the poor. Meanwhile they are annoyed that poor people get a break from doing forced unpaid labour at christmas. Give money to poor people not charities.
PSA: compulsory activities for people on Centrelink payments are paused from 16 Dec to 5 Jan
PSA: compulsory activities for people on Centrelink payments are paused from 16 Dec to 5 Jan
December 12, 2025 at 2:54 AM
These corporate charities claim they exist to help the poor. Meanwhile they are annoyed that poor people get a break from doing forced unpaid labour at christmas. Give money to poor people not charities.
PSA: compulsory activities for people on Centrelink payments are paused from 16 Dec to 5 Jan
PSA: compulsory activities for people on Centrelink payments are paused from 16 Dec to 5 Jan
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Don't believe Labor voters expected this. Punishing those doing it tough while allowing billion dollar corporations to escape tax altogether is now the Australian way.
December 11, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Don't believe Labor voters expected this. Punishing those doing it tough while allowing billion dollar corporations to escape tax altogether is now the Australian way.
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Excellent work by all at the Anti-poverty Centre @antipovertycentre.org
Our backgrounder on the unlawful use of Centrelink payment penalties has now been updated with key excerpts and analysis from the Ombudsman's report. Check it out here: bit.ly/TCF_backgrou...
December 11, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Excellent work by all at the Anti-poverty Centre @antipovertycentre.org
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
An economist can correct me if I’m wrong, but as I understand it, the system as *designed* REQUIRES ~4-5% unemployment.
It then punishes those people for being unemployed, including a payment so low it actively hinders seeking employment.
Then blames them for being unemployed.
DARVO as policy.
It then punishes those people for being unemployed, including a payment so low it actively hinders seeking employment.
Then blames them for being unemployed.
DARVO as policy.
"our system of 'mutual' obligation relies on people continuing to stigmatise welfare as the moral failing of an individual....despite unemployment being baked into economic policy" - @amyremeikis.bsky.social
www.thenewdaily.com.au/opinion/2025...
www.thenewdaily.com.au/opinion/2025...
December 10, 2025 at 11:15 PM
An economist can correct me if I’m wrong, but as I understand it, the system as *designed* REQUIRES ~4-5% unemployment.
It then punishes those people for being unemployed, including a payment so low it actively hinders seeking employment.
Then blames them for being unemployed.
DARVO as policy.
It then punishes those people for being unemployed, including a payment so low it actively hinders seeking employment.
Then blames them for being unemployed.
DARVO as policy.
Our backgrounder on the unlawful use of Centrelink payment penalties has now been updated with key excerpts and analysis from the Ombudsman's report. Check it out here: bit.ly/TCF_backgrou...
December 10, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Our backgrounder on the unlawful use of Centrelink payment penalties has now been updated with key excerpts and analysis from the Ombudsman's report. Check it out here: bit.ly/TCF_backgrou...
Thanks @3crmelbourne.bsky.social for having us on to talk about what is happening in the system of compulsory activities known as "mutual" obligations and what the Commonwealth Ombudsman found in his latest investigation into unlawful penalties for people on Centrelink payments.
Interview from 1:10
Interview from 1:10
The Impacts of Criminalising Young People, Lilie James’ Coronial Inquest, Injured Workers’ Support Team, Rave 4 the Towers, Ombudsman Criticises Mutual Obligations Remediation
Acknowledgement of Country// Headlines:Youth social media ban comes into effectNT government blocks UN human rights inspectors from prison accessVictorian Government apology to First Nations people cr...
https://www.3cr.org.au/thursday-breakfast/episode/impacts-criminalising-young-people-lilie-james’-coronial-inquest-injured
December 10, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Thanks @3crmelbourne.bsky.social for having us on to talk about what is happening in the system of compulsory activities known as "mutual" obligations and what the Commonwealth Ombudsman found in his latest investigation into unlawful penalties for people on Centrelink payments.
Interview from 1:10
Interview from 1:10
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Thinking of this in light of any real reform following the Robodebt scandal, the refusal to raise the social security rate to any substantial level, and the acknowledgement by the public service that 140 aspects of the social security system have been operating illegally.
'Asked what risks Labor faced if it failed to evolve at an organisational level and with its policies, Swan was blunt.
“We end up looking like the Democrats in the US or any number of once large, proud, centre-right parties around the world that have collapsed,” he said.'
“We end up looking like the Democrats in the US or any number of once large, proud, centre-right parties around the world that have collapsed,” he said.'
Wayne Swan warns Labor not to speak to Australians in ‘highly stylised political way’
Exclusive: ALP national president urges party to urgently renew its ageing grassroots membership base in suburban and regional areas
www.theguardian.com
December 6, 2025 at 6:55 AM
Thinking of this in light of any real reform following the Robodebt scandal, the refusal to raise the social security rate to any substantial level, and the acknowledgement by the public service that 140 aspects of the social security system have been operating illegally.
"It was court rulings, the threat of mass compensations and deaths which made the Morrison government act on robodebt... ongoing reports from advocates, legal experts and those caught in the system prove beyond a doubt the fire isn’t just burning, it’s burning out of control."
Ty Amy for reporting
Ty Amy for reporting
Who could have predicted any of this? Oh that’s right - anyone paying attention
www.thenewdaily.com.au/opinion/2025...
www.thenewdaily.com.au/opinion/2025...
The welfare system isn't just on fire, it's burning out of control
A second report into the use of job-seeker mutual obligations is even more damning then the first – but will the government act?
www.thenewdaily.com.au
December 10, 2025 at 10:28 PM
"It was court rulings, the threat of mass compensations and deaths which made the Morrison government act on robodebt... ongoing reports from advocates, legal experts and those caught in the system prove beyond a doubt the fire isn’t just burning, it’s burning out of control."
Ty Amy for reporting
Ty Amy for reporting
Centrelink payment suspensions cause distress, waste time and subject people in poverty to abuse by welfare cops.
2.7 million payment suspension notices a year and the system that applies them doesn't even hold the information to check whether they are lawful or not.
2.7 million payment suspension notices a year and the system that applies them doesn't even hold the information to check whether they are lawful or not.
December 10, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Centrelink payment suspensions cause distress, waste time and subject people in poverty to abuse by welfare cops.
2.7 million payment suspension notices a year and the system that applies them doesn't even hold the information to check whether they are lawful or not.
2.7 million payment suspension notices a year and the system that applies them doesn't even hold the information to check whether they are lawful or not.
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
"Payment suspensions cause immeasurable damage to our lives, destabilising people when we are already struggling to survive. This scandal must end, not when the government decides what tweaks it would like to make to this system, but now." @antipovertycentre.org
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
December 9, 2025 at 3:02 AM
"Payment suspensions cause immeasurable damage to our lives, destabilising people when we are already struggling to survive. This scandal must end, not when the government decides what tweaks it would like to make to this system, but now." @antipovertycentre.org
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Significant statement from the Ombudsman on payment suspensions - the system is unfairly and unlawfully punishing people who are "below the poverty line" and are "unlikely to find ongoing employment no matter how hard they try to comply with the requirements placed upon them"
December 9, 2025 at 1:12 AM
Significant statement from the Ombudsman on payment suspensions - the system is unfairly and unlawfully punishing people who are "below the poverty line" and are "unlikely to find ongoing employment no matter how hard they try to comply with the requirements placed upon them"
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
#BREAKING: The Commonwealth Ombudsman has published their investigation into the Targeted Compliance Framework & Mutual Obligations system
Their findings on the Department's administration of many parts of the system are incredibly damning 👇
Their findings on the Department's administration of many parts of the system are incredibly damning 👇
December 8, 2025 at 10:44 PM
#BREAKING: The Commonwealth Ombudsman has published their investigation into the Targeted Compliance Framework & Mutual Obligations system
Their findings on the Department's administration of many parts of the system are incredibly damning 👇
Their findings on the Department's administration of many parts of the system are incredibly damning 👇
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Secretary defends job providers' use of payment suspensions, as she's "interrogated the system in a very active way"
So, she's asked about @antipovertycentre.org analysis, showing the system is threatening 5 payment suspensions a minute, & admits she didn't even check this data. Such interrogation!
So, she's asked about @antipovertycentre.org analysis, showing the system is threatening 5 payment suspensions a minute, & admits she didn't even check this data. Such interrogation!
December 3, 2025 at 6:16 AM
Secretary defends job providers' use of payment suspensions, as she's "interrogated the system in a very active way"
So, she's asked about @antipovertycentre.org analysis, showing the system is threatening 5 payment suspensions a minute, & admits she didn't even check this data. Such interrogation!
So, she's asked about @antipovertycentre.org analysis, showing the system is threatening 5 payment suspensions a minute, & admits she didn't even check this data. Such interrogation!
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
The average value of a household’s energy debt increased by $219 last year - to $1,367
via @antipovertycentre.org
via @antipovertycentre.org
Energy justice advocates call on government to wipe growing energy debt
New AER data shows hundreds of thousands are struggling with rising energy debts as Australians demand more government intervention to lower bills.
open.substack.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:25 PM
The average value of a household’s energy debt increased by $219 last year - to $1,367
via @antipovertycentre.org
via @antipovertycentre.org
“Social security law decisions are being made at a rate of millions a year, and we have extensive evidence of the problems with unlawful decisions on suspensions, and no action is being taken."
Thank you @dholmesnoise.bsky.social @themandarin.bsky.social for reporting.
Thank you @dholmesnoise.bsky.social @themandarin.bsky.social for reporting.
"Anti-poverty and human rights groups are calling on the government to abolish the Targeted Compliance Framework, following a scathing report from the Commonwealth ombud" www.themandarin.com.au/304738-targe...
December 10, 2025 at 10:10 PM
“Social security law decisions are being made at a rate of millions a year, and we have extensive evidence of the problems with unlawful decisions on suspensions, and no action is being taken."
Thank you @dholmesnoise.bsky.social @themandarin.bsky.social for reporting.
Thank you @dholmesnoise.bsky.social @themandarin.bsky.social for reporting.
Labor's one concrete promise to welfare recipients in 2022 was to abolish compulsory cashless welfare.
As at 10 October 2025, there were 32,556 on income management (IM):
- 9,598 on old IM (BasicsCard) and 22,958 on enhanced IM (SmartCard)
- 6.7% (2,221) were voluntary, the rest under compulsory measures.
- 82% (26,599) on IM identify as Indigenous.
www.aph.gov.au/api/qon/down...
- 9,598 on old IM (BasicsCard) and 22,958 on enhanced IM (SmartCard)
- 6.7% (2,221) were voluntary, the rest under compulsory measures.
- 82% (26,599) on IM identify as Indigenous.
www.aph.gov.au/api/qon/down...
November 28, 2025 at 6:10 AM
Labor's one concrete promise to welfare recipients in 2022 was to abolish compulsory cashless welfare.
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
This is a disgrace. Every single MP and Senator who voted for this should lose their seat.
Forget politics, it violates a fundamental legal principle: you're innocent until proven guilty.
I hope the High Court quashes this on a challenge. It's clearly punitive action by the executive.
Forget politics, it violates a fundamental legal principle: you're innocent until proven guilty.
I hope the High Court quashes this on a challenge. It's clearly punitive action by the executive.
Today @tanyaplibersekmp.bsky.social succeeded in establishing new powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Shame Labor shame: New powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction pass the senate
Welfare recipients have a right to be treated equally under the law, and should not be subject to punishment before having access to legal advice for any reason, ever.
apcentre.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:11 AM
This is a disgrace. Every single MP and Senator who voted for this should lose their seat.
Forget politics, it violates a fundamental legal principle: you're innocent until proven guilty.
I hope the High Court quashes this on a challenge. It's clearly punitive action by the executive.
Forget politics, it violates a fundamental legal principle: you're innocent until proven guilty.
I hope the High Court quashes this on a challenge. It's clearly punitive action by the executive.
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
A stupid and unjust entangling of policing and welfare.
The Albanese govt should put their time and effort into things that would make a real difference:
fixing the ineffective job provider scheme, and getting rid of the cruel and counterproductive 'mutual obligation' system. #poverty #auspol
The Albanese govt should put their time and effort into things that would make a real difference:
fixing the ineffective job provider scheme, and getting rid of the cruel and counterproductive 'mutual obligation' system. #poverty #auspol
Today @tanyaplibersekmp.bsky.social succeeded in establishing new powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Shame Labor shame: New powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction pass the senate
Welfare recipients have a right to be treated equally under the law, and should not be subject to punishment before having access to legal advice for any reason, ever.
apcentre.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 5:49 AM
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Disgraceful
Today @tanyaplibersekmp.bsky.social succeeded in establishing new powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Shame Labor shame: New powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction pass the senate
Welfare recipients have a right to be treated equally under the law, and should not be subject to punishment before having access to legal advice for any reason, ever.
apcentre.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:58 AM
Disgraceful
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
"Welfare recipients have a right to be treated equally under the law, and should not be subject to punishment before having access to legal advice for any reason, ever. This heinous new law must be reversed."
This is an appalling law that will further criminalise poverty.
#auspol
This is an appalling law that will further criminalise poverty.
#auspol
Today @tanyaplibersekmp.bsky.social succeeded in establishing new powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Shame Labor shame: New powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction pass the senate
Welfare recipients have a right to be treated equally under the law, and should not be subject to punishment before having access to legal advice for any reason, ever.
apcentre.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:25 AM
"Welfare recipients have a right to be treated equally under the law, and should not be subject to punishment before having access to legal advice for any reason, ever. This heinous new law must be reversed."
This is an appalling law that will further criminalise poverty.
#auspol
This is an appalling law that will further criminalise poverty.
#auspol
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Plibersek is burying herself in this portfolio. Although it really brings out her true colours.
Today @tanyaplibersekmp.bsky.social succeeded in establishing new powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Shame Labor shame: New powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction pass the senate
Welfare recipients have a right to be treated equally under the law, and should not be subject to punishment before having access to legal advice for any reason, ever.
apcentre.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:08 AM
Plibersek is burying herself in this portfolio. Although it really brings out her true colours.