Back in September last year, I made the bold decision to return to some study and head off on a different career path. After much deliberation I chose to study a double diploma in Counselling and Community Service, whilst still working full time as a bus driver.
In the early stages of 2015 as I progressed through the units of my double diploma I was discovering that full time work was not allowing me to focus enough time on my study. I also had to consider that as part of the study I have to undertake 250 hours (6 weeks) worth of in the field placement, something that would conflict majorly with my work.
On the 1st May 2015 I made a trip to the Modbury office of Centrelink to enquire what options were available to me to enable me to study more effectively. Following, a discussion with a Centrelink employee, I was informed that I am eligible for Ausstudy. I understood that the Ausstudy payment would be no where near my wage as a bus driver, my wife and I could wear that impost temporarily as my studies are due to finish in April 2016. I was signed up and given a Centrelink account and ID and given the appropriate forms to fill out and the ball was set in motion. I was given the understanding that Ausstudy would start following all Centrelink processes in about 6 weeks or so.
With this information and huge amount of enthusiasm for my new career I was aiming for, I drafted my resignation letter and with an element of sadness presented it to my employer, with my employment to cease on 15th May. I envisaged that once I ceased work I would spend a month or so catching up on my study as I had fallen a little behind, then seek a casual 2-3 day a week job to keep me in the workforce.
Since I finished work in mid May, I have been given the run around by Centrelink. I need this form, or that form, then another form. All this was taking time and then after being told my claim would not be finalised at least until the end of June, I contacted Leon Byner at radio station 5AA. He forwarded my information onto his contact at Centrelink and within 48 hours I had my Ausstudy processed and payments were forthcoming.
I received my first part payment of $59.95 and I thought "cool" I am on my way. I received notification that I had to report on the 8th July for payment on the 9th July. I did this and as I had not worked I reported the income of my wife. The 9th came and went with no payment or notifications, then on the 10th with still no payment or notification I rang Centrelink. After sitting on hold for 70 minutes I was told that Centrelink were not satisfied who I was and that I had to prove that I was an Australian Citizen!! True. I was born here at the Lyell McEwen Hospital 45 years ago and have lived in Adelaide ever since. What an insult.
I duly went to the Salisbury office of Centrelink armed with my Birth Certificate and sat down with a gentleman named Paul. After he found a glitch on my file then spoke to a colleague on the phone for about 20 minutes he informed me that my payment has now been released, however as it was Friday afternoon it wouldn't hit my account until Monday morning. After much frustration, I left the Salisbury office thinking finally they are happy and lets get on with it.
Now, in amongst all of this my wife had been assaulted at her workplace and was placed on WorkCover, in late March. As a result of her turmoil, combined with my frustration and the resultant financial strain her mental state deteriorated rapidly coming to a point where she had a significant breakdown on Friday afternoon. The stress had taken it's toll and the Centrelink issues did not help.
Imagine my surprise on Monday morning when still no money from Centrelink was in my account. I checked my notifications and nothing. Hmm, I thought ok, I will give them the benefit of the doubt and wait until Tuesday morning. Well, Tuesday arrived and still no money nor any notifications from Centrelink. I rang at exactly 8.00am when their lines opened and waited on hold for 40 minutes!! I was then informed by a rather rude lady named Meredith, that my Ausstudy was not approved because my wife receives compensation. I explained that her compensation has not been finalised and she only receives provisional payments. Meredith says, we have been told she is receiving compensation payments and under legislation I do not get Ausstudy! So because some feral passenger on a train, assaults my wife, I lose my Ausstudy. Go figure. Does not seem very fair to me.
Oh my God, I lost it over the phone. Where to now?
Last ditch effort, I contact Leon Byner again at 5AA and see what happens.
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