Australia's Welfare Agency Is Chasing Billions in Old Debts — Some 40 Years Old

Centrelink, Australia's welfare agency, is chasing $4.93 billion in overpaid welfare money from 1.34 million people. Some debts are over 40 years old. After a major investigation called the Robodebt royal commission, the government promised to bring back a six-year limit — a rule stopping debts from being collected after that long. No date is set, and it's unclear if existing debts qualify. Advocates and researchers say the debt math can't be trusted.