Your Centrelink rights
Aboriginal people have the right to culturally safe Centrelink services, Indigenous Contact Officers, and interpreter support. If Centrelink makes a mistake, you have the right to challenge it.
Key points
- Indigenous Contact Officers are available at every Centrelink office
- You have the right to a free interpreter — ask for one if you need it
- Centrelink cannot cut off payments without proper notice and a right to review
- If you are on JobSeeker and required to look for work, Aboriginal people can access exemptions
- ABSTUDY is available for Aboriginal students — it is NOT the same as standard Youth Allowance
- If Centrelink makes a mistake, get help from Swan Hill CLC to appeal
- Your payment cannot be garnisheed for Centrelink errors without a review process
Your Centrelink rights
Centrelink is a federal government service. Everyone who interacts with Centrelink has rights — but Aboriginal people have specific rights to culturally safe service.
Indigenous Contact Officers
At every Centrelink office in Victoria, there are Indigenous Contact Officers — staff who are specifically trained to work with Aboriginal customers. You can ask to speak to one any time you’re at a Centrelink office.
You don’t need a reason — just say: “I’d like to speak to an Indigenous Contact Officer please.”
If an Indigenous Contact Officer is not available, ask to make a time to come back when one is.
Free interpreters
You have the right to a free interpreter when dealing with Centrelink. If English is not your first language, or if you just find Centrelink confusing, ask for an interpreter. This is free.
To book an interpreter, call 131 450 (TIS National) — they can arrange an interpreter for your Centrelink appointment.
Your right to notice before payment changes
Centrelink cannot cut off or change your payment without telling you. You must receive a letter explaining:
- Why your payment is changing
- What you can do about it
- How to request a review
If you receive a letter that says your payment has been cut or changed and you don’t understand why, don’t ignore it. Call the Centrelink Indigenous line on 132 316 and ask for an explanation.
The right to review
If you disagree with a Centrelink decision, you have the right to request a formal review. This includes decisions about:
- Payment cuts
- Debts
- Mutual obligation requirements
- Eligibility
You have 13 weeks to request most reviews. Don’t let this deadline pass. Get help from Swan Hill CLC if you need it.
ABSTUDY — not the same as Youth Allowance
ABSTUDY is a Centrelink payment for Aboriginal students. It is a separate payment from Youth Allowance. If you’re an Aboriginal student, you should be on ABSTUDY — not Youth Allowance.
ABSTUDY can provide more support than standard Youth Allowance for Aboriginal students in some circumstances. If you’re on Youth Allowance and think you should be on ABSTUDY, contact Centrelink on 132 316 or get help from a school Aboriginal education officer.
If Centrelink makes a mistake
Centrelink makes mistakes. If they send you a debt notice you don’t believe is correct, don’t ignore it — but also don’t automatically pay it. Get help from Swan Hill CLC on (03) 5032 1688 to check whether the debt is valid.
Centrelink cannot garnish your payment (take money out of your payment) for an alleged debt without giving you a chance to challenge it first. This is a legal process they must follow.
Key contacts
- 132 316 — Centrelink Indigenous line
- (03) 5032 1688 — Swan Hill CLC (free help with Centrelink problems)
- 131 450 — TIS National (free interpreter booking)