The Greens say it is unconscionable for the Government to be chasing income support recipients for JobKeeper debts when billionaires collected millions in Jobkeeper while turning significant profits.
“There is a clear double standard between individuals receiving income support and businesses who claimed Jobkeeper”, Greens spokesperson on Family and Community Services Senator Rachel Siewert said.
“I am certain the vast majority of these so-called debts will be genuine mistakes in a confusing system.
“It is outrageous that people on income support have debt notices – where are the debt notices for the billionaires?
“If billionaires can keep their JobKeeper payments while making huge profits, then people who sought support during the pandemic and have made a mistake should not be punished.
“What a joke for the Government to say both programs have strong compliance frameworks. We have huge corporations and exclusive private schools getting millions in handouts.
“The Government should focus on giving people on income support higher payments to get through the latest lockdowns.”