Centrelink refuses disability pension to man who lost leg in shark attack
As if it wasn’t enough to deal with the physical pain and emotional anguish of losing a leg in a shark attack, a young father and his family have found themselves in dire financial straits after their request for disability payments was denied by Centrelink.
Glenn Dickson nearly died SIX times after being attacked by a shark while spearfishing on the Great Barrier Reef in February. Not only did the horrific incident cost Dickson his leg, but he now suffers from “excruciating” nerve pain and insomnia.
Naturally, the former tradie applied for a disability pension. But Centrelink claimed he didn’t qualify, placing him on the Newstart allowance instead, which leaves him with $400 less each fortnight.
“I think I became a number, a dollar sign that they could save money on,” he told A Current Affair.
Will Barsby from Shine Lawyers has taken the case pro bono, describing Centrelink’s position as “ridiculous".
“The unfortunate thing is that the government isn’t in the business of actively helping people meet a criteria to receive that pension,” he said. “So because he didn't fit the box at that point in time, they just flat-out denied it.”
A spokesperson from the Department of Human Service denied they were in the wrong, saying Dickson was receiving the “correct support for his circumstances".
“We can reassure viewers this matter has been managed appropriately and in accordance with legislation,” spokesman Hank Jongen said. “We recognise medical conditions can have a significant impact on people’s lives, however, we do not have any discretion to grant payment outside the very clear criteria set down in legislation.”
Do you think Centrelink's justification to deny Glenn Dickson a disability pension is fair? Tell us in the comments below.
Image credit: A Current Affair.