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.

6.7 Debt provisions under the SSAct from 1/7/2001

Introduction

This chapter contains information on the creation and recovery of debts arising under the SSAct.

The Family and Community Services and Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Debt Recovery) Act 2001 amended the SSAct to expand and clarify the definition of what constitutes a debt to the Commonwealth under the SSAct and clarify the circumstances under which a debt may be recovered. These changes took effect on 1 July 2001.

The Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 directs that Australian Government officers must promote the efficient, effective and ethical use of Commonwealth resources. These resources include debts owing to the Commonwealth.

Effective debt management maintains public confidence in the integrity and management of the public sector. In addition, where the debtor has received public monies to which he or she was not lawfully entitled, the community has a legitimate expectation that these funds will be recovered.

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