Article by Mr Vidal Hockless
In our May update we highlighted concerns over the proposed amendment to the Social Security Act 1991 (Clth) by the Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and other Legislation Amendment (Further Election Commitments and other Measures) Bill 2011.
Schedule 4 of the Bill proposed amendments to the Social Security Act that appeared to place onerous obligations on compensation payers such as insurers, employers and statutory authorities to advise Centrelink about proposed compensation payments at least 14 days before they were made. Currently the onus to report compensation payments is on the individual.
On 15 June 2011, Schedule 4 of the Bill was referred to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee for enquiry and report. Despite objections to the proposed amendments and the recommendation of the coalition senators' minority report that Schedule 4 be removed, the Bill including Schedule 4 passed both first and second readings without amendment. Subsequently, however, the provisions of Schedule 4 relating to the amendment of the Social Security Act were removed, and referred to the Minister for further consideration. The Act, which is No 50 of 2011 does not contain the provisions of concern, although whether they will return in another form remains to be seen.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
