Robodebt 2.0? Discussing Unlawful Welfare Cancellations with Jay Coonan

Monday, 11 August 2025 - 6:00pm to 6:30pm
The Breadline show logo: a yellow circle with a loaf of bread in the centre. Black text over the loaf reads "BREADLINE". Above that is the AUWU logo, and underneath text reads "Mondays 6pm on Community Radio ECR 855 AM". Text bordering the yellow circle reads "Australian Unemployed Workers' Union - AUWU.org.au - Listen back at 3CR.org.au/Breadline".

Breadline, the show by welfare recipients for us. This episode first aired on Monday 11 August 2025, live from the 3CR studios in Fitzroy. Presenters Jessica Harrison and Kaitlyn Blythe welcome guest Jay Coonan from The Antipoverty Centre into the studio to discuss the Commonwealth Ombudsman's report on the lawfulness of the Targeted Compliance Framework (also known as "mutual obligations").

 

With over 1,000 people's welfare payments found to have been unlawfully terminated between 2022 and 2024, even with the laws introduced after the Robodebt Royal Commission, how did it get this bad? Breadline discusses whether this is a Robodebt 2.0, and Jay suggests first steps to welfare recipients who have had their payments unlawfully cancelled or suspended under this Targeted Compliance Framework.

 

If you're having problems with Centrelink or want to know more about your welfare rights, you can email an AUWU volunteer at advocacy[@]auwu[dot]org[dot]au. You can also become a volunteer yourself and learn how to help people through AUWU's advocacy line. Find out more here: auwu.org.au

 

Breadline is recorded and podcasted on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.


Breadline airs on 3CR 855AM every Monday 6pm-6.30pm and is presented by the Australian Unemployed Workers Union (AUWU). 

Monday 6:00pm to 6:30pm
By the unemployed for the unemployed. Australian Unemployed Workers Union members will cover the latest inequities of the "welfare" system and how we are organising to fight back!

Presenter

Australian Unemployed Workers Union

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