Karly Warner, Chair of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (NATSILS):

“The Government is trying to pass legislation that would allow police to cancel Centrelink payments for people who have not been found guilty of any offence.

”This is an unprecedented attack on fairness and due process which will shake public confidence in our legal system. Under this legislation, people’s benefits could be stripped away simply because they are unaware police have issued a warrant for their arrest, and without any opportunity to access legal help.

”The proposed amendments will inevitably have a greater impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who are grossly overrepresented at every stage of the criminal process. Cutting off people’s Centrelink payments will not only impact those individuals, but put their children and families – too many of whom already live below the poverty line – at risk of homelessness and child removals.

”Such a controversial proposed legislative change should be the subject of considered consultation with community and legal experts. We call on the Government to withdraw this proposal.”

Read more from the Antipoverty Centre & other supporter organisations here.