The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

5.1.2 Comparing information with other agencies

Introduction

The Commonwealth has the power to obtain information for the purposes of verifying that a person (1.1.P.80) has provided Centrelink with the correct information about their circumstances, as well as their partner's (1.1.P.30) and/or their children's personal circumstances.

Comparing information with other agencies

Comparing information with other agencies is an effective method of verifying information about a person that has been obtained and/or is held by Centrelink for the purposes of FA law.

Example: Where no birth certificate is available, verifying the existence of a child for which a person is claiming FTB may be done by matching records with the Registrar General's Office.

Act reference: FA(Admin)Act section 154 General power to obtain information, section 157 Obtaining information to verify claims etc., section 76 Data-matching Program (Assistance and Tax) Act debts

Data matching using TFNs

A person may unintentionally or deliberately fail to declare all relevant income details. Data matching using a person's TFN is an effective method of verifying information about individuals of FA payments. The verified information is obtained and/or held by Centrelink for the purpose of verifying eligibility, entitlement and amounts of FA paid under FA law.

Explanation: An individual's TFN may be used for data matching in order to verify whether or not they were entitled to a payment.

Debts arising from data matching process

Data matching may establish that a person was not entitled to receive FA. In these circumstances a debt recoverable under the FA law may occur if:

Act reference: FA(Admin)Act section 76 Data-matching Program (Assistance and Tax) Act debts

Policy reference: FA Guide 7.1 FA debts, 5.1.3 Protection of information

Last reviewed: