An independent MP plans to take the prime minister to task over "sneaky" changes to Centrelink payments which are due to take effect next month.
Tasmanian federal MP Andrew Wilkie has described as "a very bad move" the impending closure of a loophole around Centrelink back-payments.
Welfare recipients have until now been able to claim backdated payments so long as they have called Centrelink, provided their name and requested assistance.
Once somebody has notified Centrelink of their intention to claim a payment, they are given five months to lodge their paperwork, and are entitled to receive back-payments for the period.
The Turnbull government passed legislation in March to plug the loophole, in what it describes as an effort to encourage people into work rather than languishing on welfare for months.
From July 1, people will only receive payments from the date they lodge their claim, rather than from the date they first contact Centrelink.
The welfare agency will only accept claims when all documents are provided.
"Let's not forget that when people do make a claim, the process can often be convoluted with many delays," Mr Wilkie said on Tuesday.
"Documents go missing, people aren't told that they need to provide additional information, and when they try and find out how their claim is progressing they can't get through."
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