Centrelink Pursues $4.93bn in Welfare Debts, Some Four Decades Old, Despite Recovery Limit Pledge

Australia's Centrelink is chasing $4.93 billion across 1.34 million welfare debts, some over 40 years old. After the Robodebt royal commission, the government agreed in principle to reinstate a six-year statute of limitations — a legal cap on how long debts can be pursued. No implementation date is set, and existing debts remain uncovered. Economic Justice Australia and academics say the debt calculations can't be trusted.