Centrelink Chasing $4.93bn in Welfare Debts, Some Over 40 Years Old, Despite Pledged Recovery Limit

Australia's Centrelink is pursuing $4.93 billion across 1.34 million outstanding welfare debts, some raised over 40 years ago. The government agreed in principle to reinstate a six-year statute of limitations after the Robodebt royal commission but has set no implementation date or clarified whether it would cover existing debts. Economic Justice Australia and academics argue the debt calculations cannot be trusted.