b'Advocating for people big and small.With a collective voice, we achieve more. Rallying together, weve made some bold moves.Early learning gets bold Speaking up about CentrelinkIt was a big win for Victorian families when freeOver 370,000 vulnerable Australians have childcare was announced in April. But at thefelt the devastating effects of Centrelinks same time, we received news of a 50% cut toRobodebt fiasco.our early learning funding. In 2016, Centrelink introduced a system that This cut was supposed to be supplemented by theattempted to prevent people from under-reporting introduction of JobKeeper. However, governmenttheir income and being overpaid welfare.funding across Uniting meant we were ineligibleBut the system used an unlawful method to raise for the schemeputting over 20 centres at risk. debts, with harmful results for vulnerable people. Joining forces with Uniting NSW.ACT andFinancial security, wellbeing and mental health UnitingCare Australia, we lobbied forwas impacted for people struggling to live on amendments to JobKeeper.Centrelink payments.In addition to advocating to the ATO, early learningUniting made a submission and gave evidence in managers contacted Members of Parliament ina hearing to the Senate Inquiry into Centrelinks their local areas. Compliance Program. Our submission and The frontline managers did a great job, saidevidence detailed just how overwhelming, Uniting External Relations Advisor, Jesse Dean. Itdisempowering and intimidating it can feelcan be confronting to make those phone calls. to be hit with unexpected Centrelink debt.This collective effort resulted in changes thatI felt like a criminal, said one person who shared allowed non-profits to exclude governmenttheir story. It grinds you down until you give up. income from revenue loss calculations.It left me feeling so anxious and mistrustful of the processI felt physically sick.Uniting qualified for JobKeeper, saving over 20In May, we welcomed news that the federal centres and keeping doors open to families. government will refund 470,000 unlawful Centrelink debts worth $721 million.At our Rupert Street Early Learning service are (left to right) Kitty, Jesse, Nina, Eli and Salma. There is more to do to improve the systemand we will continue to speak out. We have called on the government to adopt our recommendation to establish a formal and independent complaint process for Centrelink.Embracing the future together. 3'