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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Paul Karp Chief political correspondent

Prosecutors pause dozens of criminal cases after Services Australia miscalculated debts

Centrelink
Services Australia relied on an incorrect understanding of welfare law which the commonwealth ombudsman found led to unlawful debts. Photograph: Darren England/AAP

Prosecutors have paused 32 criminal cases and are investigating possible wrongful convictions due to Services Australia relying on an incorrect understanding of welfare law which the commonwealth ombudsman found led to unlawful debts.

The commonwealth director of public prosecutions (CDPP) revealed the 32 cases, which are all affected by “income apportionment”, have been adjourned while it reviews these and an unknown number of historical cases.

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