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.

1.1.W.60 Write off of a debt

Definition

'Write off' describes a decision not to start, to postpone, or to stop the recovery of a debt due to the Commonwealth for a temporary or permanent period of time. For example, a debt to the Commonwealth may be permanently written off if it is not cost effective to take action to recover the debt.

There is nothing to prevent anything being done at any time to recover a debt that has been written off under the PPLAct.

Act reference: PPLAct section 193 When debts can be written off

Policy reference: PPL Guide 6.3.5 Writing off debts

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