Welfare Rights Centre NSW

02/09/2026

Meet Scarlett, one of our recent WRC volunteers.

As a member of our team, Scarlett built practical skills in client communication, problem-solving and working within a specialist legal service. Most importantly, her experience reinforced how much a listening ear, clear information and the right support can matter when someone is facing uncertainty.

Through her volunteer work, Scarlett helped people take the next step towards understanding their rights and options. We’re grateful for the contribution she made to our service and our clients.

01/09/2026

Have you heard about ASSIST, Australia's new national social security helpline for community workers?
If you're a community worker supporting someone with a social security issue, ASSIST provides social security information, support and triage to help you navigate payment eligibility, applications, reviews, appeals, debts and other social security matters.
Call: 1800 379 604
Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm
Learn more at

A national helpline for community workers to access social security information, support & triage. CALL US 1800 379 604 What is ASSIST? A national social security helpline for community workers. We are a phone-based service providing information, guidance and referral support for social security iss...

28/08/2026

Today we're wearing purple! In support of a safer, more supportive and more inclusive world for LGBTQIA+SB young people. Have a great day!

26/08/2026

Return to Punishment?
The Federal Government has announced plans to restart some Centrelink payment suspensions and cancellations under the Targeted Compliance Framework from 26 October 2026.
These penalties were paused after serious concerns were raised about unlawful decision-making. The Commonwealth Ombudsman found hundreds of people had their payments unlawfully cancelled, with potentially catastrophic consequences, and independent analysis suggests hundreds of thousands may have been affected.
Cutting off a person's income for weeks at a time does not help them find work. It can mean missed rent, going without food, increased financial stress and a greater risk of homelessness.
WRC joins calls from ACOSS, Economic Justice Australia, the Antipoverty Centre and NATSILS for the Government to
• Remove the Targeted Compliance Framework immediately, including payment suspensions and financial penalties.
• Provide full back-pay and compensation to every person affected by unlawful decisions.
Our social security system should provide security — not deepen poverty.

26/08/2026

Our August newsletter has just been released, read it here: https://buff.ly/JLD9h8X

This month we are:
- looking for a new CEO;
- providing social security updates as the Federal Government has announced plans to restart some Centrelink payment suspensions and cancellations;
- advocating to restore the six-year limit on Centrelink debt recovery; and
- preparing for our Seniors and Centrelink community worker training session on 22 September.

24/08/2026

Have you checked if you're eligible?

If you had a Centrelink debt between 2003 and 2020 that was linked to employment income, you may be eligible for a payment of up to $600 under the Federal Government's Income Apportionment Resolution Scheme.

The scheme was established after income apportionment was found to have been used unlawfully in some Centrelink debt calculations.

You may be able to claim:
✔ Up to $600 for each eligible debt
✔ Even if the debt has already been repaid

⏰ Applications close on 29 January 2027.

Before accepting a payment, it's important to understand that doing so may affect your ability to take further legal action in relation to that debt.

For more information, visit Services Australia or seek legal advice if you're unsure about your options.

Economic Justice have created a factsheet here: https://buff.ly/7QM54X0

24/08/2026

Today we are launching ASSIST, the new national social security helpline for community workers.

ASSIST is phone-based service providing information, guidance and referral support for social security issues, including payments, eligibility, applications, reviews, appeals and debts.

We help community workers supporting people with social security issues.

Call between 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday 1800 379 604

https://buff.ly/PdlL6wB

21/08/2026

Today we’re introducing Olivia, who volunteers with Welfare Rights Centre while studying a Juris Doctor at the University of Sydney.

Before starting law, Olivia worked as a digital writer, where she became interested in how the law protects businesses and their intellectual property. That curiosity ultimately inspired her to pursue a legal career.

Since joining Welfare Rights Centre as an Administration Volunteer, Olivia has gained a deeper understanding of how the law and government systems can have very different impacts on people’s lives. She has seen firsthand the care and dedication our solicitors bring to complex and sensitive matters, working quickly to support clients and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Through her volunteer role, Olivia has also developed a strong appreciation for the importance of accurate documentation and effective teamwork. Supporting client file management and assisting solicitors working to urgent application and tribunal deadlines has shown her how much careful administration contributes to helping clients access justice.

Thank you, Olivia, for your contribution to the Centre and for being part of our volunteer team.

20/08/2026

We're recruiting a new Chief Executive Officer.
This is a unique opportunity to lead WRC, a specialist community legal centre that has been helping people with Centrelink problems for more than 40 years.
We're looking for a strategic and values-driven leader who can guide the organisation through its next phase of growth, strengthen our funding base, build influential partnerships and support a positive, high-performing culture.
The successful candidate will bring strong leadership experience, financial and strategic acumen, a commitment to social justice, and a track record of building relationships that create lasting impact.
This is a chance to lead an organisation that not only helps over a thousand people each year but also works to improve Australia's social security system through community education, advocacy and law reform.
If you're ready to shape the future of an organisation dedicated to fairness, dignity and economic justice, we'd love to hear from you.
📍 Applications are now open: https://buff.ly/TPgfJzM

17/08/2026