The federal government is changing its "robo-debt" recovery scheme targeting welfare recipients.
Tens of thousands of welfare recipients were overcharged by Centrelink using the process, and there are calls now for their payments to be refunded.
The federal government is changing its so-called "robo-debt" scheme after tens of thousands of welfare recipients were overcharged.
In an email to staff, the Department of Human Services revealed its sole reliance on automated wage averaging is being abandoned and employees will be required to personally investigate and seek additional proof before demanding welfare recipients pay back alleged debts.
The department reportedly will also review all existing alleged debts and freeze existing debt recovery actions pending the review.
Government Services Minister Stuart Robert says the changes are just a refinement of the system, not a major shake-up.
