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Post by spaceyone on Jan 25, 2012 9:43:27 GMT 7
Seems to me that this whole residency review stuff is all about cloak and daggers. C/L put out the instruction to return home, or else.
Any correspondence querying it, or simply asking for confirmation of certain things, is just ignored. In fact, once you get the letter advising of your suspension, all business with you is ignored.
Once you have taken their threat seriously enough to return home, it is only then that they will speak to you.
Trying to fight this process is like trying to fight gossip. No one will tell you to your face what's going in, and you can't address it openly, since it is all being done behind your back.
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Post by Banker on Jan 25, 2012 10:05:38 GMT 7
Seems to me that this whole residency review stuff is all about cloak and daggers. C/L put out the instruction to return home, or else. Any correspondence querying it, or simply asking for confirmation of certain things, is just ignored. In fact, once you get the letter advising of your suspension, all business with you is ignored. Once you have taken their threat seriously enough to return home, it is only then that they will speak to you. Trying to fight this process is like trying to fight gossip. No one will tell you to your face what's going in, and you can't address it openly, since it is all being done behind your back. Your spot on with that one spacey. |
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Post by StringsAttached on Jan 26, 2012 11:01:48 GMT 7
Banker: WR have been contacting me by email, maybe something has changed. Will keep updating.
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Post by Banjo on Jan 26, 2012 14:07:22 GMT 7
They carried on like ravished virgins after we posted a couple of their emails that inadvertently included the name of one of their staff members. I apologised but seeing as Centrelink haven't had him assassinated after we revealed his identity I suppose they may have got over it.
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Post by StringsAttached on Jan 27, 2012 21:52:59 GMT 7
WRLC have again been in contact with me via email and I sent them a copy of the suspension letter they requested. I am seeking an extention of portability per section 1218C (b) of the Act and they will contact Centrelink on my behalf.
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Post by StringsAttached on Feb 8, 2012 12:10:10 GMT 7
This is a good one. My extention of portability was refused due to my medical report referring to a PRE-EXISTING condition. I haven't stopped laughing yet.
Why have section 1218 C(b) of the Act? And when has a pre-existing medical condition had consistent symptoms? This has got to be one of the better responses I've seen, and completely off-base when it comes to medical professionalism or relevance. I don't think I need to say here how many people on the DSP live with medical conditions that exhibit difference symptoms at different times...
I found an affortable direct flight back to Oz; flying out tonight and back in three days. And I will request an internal review, and WRC is still assisting me.
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Post by Banjo on Feb 8, 2012 15:27:42 GMT 7
So deterioration of a pre-existing condition didn't qualify?
Sounds like some of the travel insurance companies I got scammed by before I gave up on them.
Safe journey Strings, let us know how you get on.
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Post by howdo on Feb 9, 2012 7:25:49 GMT 7
So deterioration of a pre-existing condition didn't qualify? Sounds like some of the travel insurance companies I got scammed by before I gave up on them. Safe journey Strings, let us know how you get on. The one thing I can guarantee is my pre-existing condition is continuing to deteriorate. Jeez, you could not make this up.  Good luck Strings. |
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Post by Banjo on Feb 9, 2012 7:31:21 GMT 7
So it will be a win/win situation for them, no existing conditions qualify and if you get sick and can't travel with something that clears up... like dysentery for example... they won't accept any proof you provide that you had it because the doctor isn't in the AMA.
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Post by StringsAttached on Feb 15, 2012 14:55:55 GMT 7
Went to Oz and back. Couldn't get onto DSP via phone, always busy. Then running out of credit on my mobile. Then no pay phones to be found (ah, a chance to Telstra bash)..... Emailed international, requested call back - still no pension. WRC still assisting via email. Been in bed most of the time since returning, but this should pass soon...
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Post by Banjo on Feb 15, 2012 15:14:23 GMT 7
There's a number that accepts reverse charges, it goes through the local exchange and Centrelink accepts the call.
Here's the message I got from Welfare Rights.
They gave me this number 61 3 6222 3455. If you ring a Thai operator you can request a reverse charges call be made to this number and Centrelink will accept it.
Edit: Not sure if this only works for Thailand.
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Post by StringsAttached on Feb 16, 2012 13:22:54 GMT 7
Got through to DSP section by phone (via call back, via the number from Banjo - thanks). They SAY (and I have a receipt number), that my payments have been restored from 9 Feb, the day I arrived in Oz. Though back O.S. now, I am scheduled to return to Oz in April or May to see if I can maintain a level of health there that I was previously unable to. Remembering my treating Dr. in Oz still wants me here though this may change when I see her next.
Regarding the appeal re section 1218C (b) and denial of requested portability extention because of 'pre-existing' condition, I feel strongly about this. Being legally trained, it is my view such a crap excuse when this section exists specifically for portability, is just wrong and not in the spirit or intent of the Act.
WR said they will not assist via email further until I return to Oz, claiming the complex nature of my matter. My entire life was complicated - that's why I became so unwell! WR *has* been helpful and I do not intend to demean their help by this comment.
Any links to the 'process' of appealing a C/L decision will be helpful.
And - yes, I am doing a complaint to the FOS with a false advertising accusation for C/L's tag line quoted in my signature. ACCC were helpful in explaining why they can't take the complaint, even though C/L have an ABN, etc.
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Post by Banjo on Feb 16, 2012 15:49:23 GMT 7
I think this is quite important and will certainly have the full support of this forum. (Everything except money anyway).
This will affect many people who travel particularly those who may not have the indefinite portability discussed here today.
I've no idea what the procedure for overseas travel will be for those with a high work assessment rating, keeping them permanently in Australia for the sake of a few hours a week's work would be draconian.
Here's a point you might like to make Strings, you are not supposed to get the DSP until your condition has stabilised and been deemed permanent. Is that right?
So any deterioration must be over and above the pre-existing condition.
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Post by Banjo on Feb 16, 2012 18:06:53 GMT 7
I just dashed off a quick note to the minister for Centrelink Brendan O'Connor himself to be sure to be sure.
Dear Minister O'Connor,
could you please tell me the number of Disability Support Pension recipients who received a discretionary extension of their portability period in the year 2010, or the relevant 12 month period, under section 1218C or section 23(14) of the Social Security Act which states:
Reasons for allowing a discretionary extension
if the person or a family member of the person (section 23(14)) is:
involved in a serious accident,
seriously ill,
hospitalised, or
the victim of a robbery or serious crime,
if the person is:
involved in custody proceedings,
required to remain overseas in connection with criminal proceedings, other than in respect of a crime alleged to have been committed by the person,
unable to return because of war, industrial action, or social or political unrest in which the recipient is not willingly participating, or
unable to return because of natural disaster,
if a family member dies.
A breakdown of the figures applying to the appropriate headings would be appreciated.
Banjo
Who knows, we may get a reply... even this year.
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Post by latindancer on Feb 16, 2012 18:19:08 GMT 7
There should be a discretionary extension of portability for people who have only just got married overseas. It's pretty inhuman to cut off payment to someone who's been married only 3 months.
At the time the stupid bureaucrat called me to bully me into returning, I had only been married 9 weeks. And I've never been married before.
It was emotional brutality posing as sanity and order.
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Good luck Strings.