Centrelink debate erupts on Q&A

If you missed last night’s episode of Q&A, you missed a robust debate about a much talked about topic – the Centrelink debt scandal.

For many of us it’s a topic on great interest, particularly if you’re on the pension, and in true Q&A style, the show delivered a robust debate.

The debate was sparked by a question from a mother whose disability support pension was currently under review by Centrelink.

She asked why politicians’ expenses were “extravagant and unchecked” while her pension was under review.

“My $22,000 a year pension, which I am raising three exceptional children with, would be less than what most politicians would spend in a month,” she said.

Attorney-General Senator George Brandis begun his answer by explaining changes to political privileges including the recent axing of the Gold Pass.

He then addressed the questioner’s situation.

“We have to be fair to everyone, that’s what the government is trying to do given the fact there are immense pressures on the budget,” he said.

“In adjusting the welfare system, we’re trying to place a strong preference in favour of those who are least well off.”

But the real talking point was when Brandis was asked by a fellow panellist what should be done when a mistake is made by Centrelink.

Human rights lawyer Julian Burnside asked the Attorney-General what the system should do “when it becomes apparent mistakes are being made?”

Brandis’ response made the audience laugh.

“When a notice is issued and it appears to the person to whom the notice is issued a mistake has been made, they can contact Centrelink and sort out the problem,” he said.

It’s a response that fired up political rival, Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek.

“What is the average waiting time George?” she asked.

She then asked a questioner from the audience, who revealed she spent one-and-a-half hours on the phone to Centrelink every day for two weeks.

Watch the video below to see the full segment on Centrelink.

Why are politicians’ expenses extravagant & I’m having my Disability Support Pension reviewed? Brandis responds #QandA pic.twitter.com/NJ2sIKyjH4

— QandA (@QandA) February 20, 2017

Did you watch last night’s episode of Q&A? What did you think of George Brandis’ comments about Centrelink?