Centrelink Admits that Ministers Misinformed Disability Support Pension Recipients

More than 20,000 young Australians with severe or profound disability have been duped out of their pension increases by the Rudd Labor Government.

The youngsters (pensioners between 16 and 21), received the same letter sent to all pensioners in May from Ministers Macklin and Bowen promising them increases between "$20.20 and $65 per fortnight".

But at Senate Estimates late last night following questions from Queensland senator Sue Boyce, Centrelink officials admitted the letter was a mistake and a second letter was sent in September giving the "correct amount," which was nothing.

"After promising the increase, this is the most miserable clawback imaginable. I will be pursuing this matter vigorously during Estimates hearings tomorrow with the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services.

"Some of the most vulnerable people in our community relied on the advice given by Ministers Macklin and Bowen and they deserve an explanation as to why they were misinformed," Senator Boyce said today.