$50 wheelchair debt row

THE Health Department has been accused of being heavyhanded for referring a disabled 89-year-old man to debt collectors for missing a payment on his rented wheelchair.

The Hobart man’s 71-yearold brother, who acts as his carer, himself struggles with a disability. He said he was shocked to receive the demand for $50 within seven days.

“If payment is not received, we will refer this matter to solicitors … to commence further recovery action against you,” the letter says.

The man’s brother, who asked not to be identified, said it was possible he had missed the payment by mistake.

“It’s probably my fault. I look after him, he’s 89. He can’t do much for himself. “

But he said the letter from the debt collectors was an overreaction to a small debt.

“I looked at it, I thought that’s a bit tough to send to somebody,” he said.

“I think it’s a bit heavyhanded the way that letter is worded.

“It probably cost them more than $50 to get them to send it.”

Labor MP Josh Willie said the Government had recently appointed three firms to collect money owed to the Health Department.

“The Hodgman Government must be desperate to cover up its budget incompetence and plug its budget black holes if it is prepared to go after elderly pensioners for small sums of money,” Mr Willie said. “Is this how the Government intends to try and balance the books?

“It speaks volumes that the Government just a fortnight ago hired an interstate debt collector which is now targeting aged pensioners like this man in the northern suburbs who has been left confused and shocked at receiving a demanding and frightening letter.

“It speaks volumes as well that while the Government is prepared to go hard after a pensioner for $50, it is not going nearly as hard on failed Minister and shamed MP Adam Brooks to recoup almost $60,000 he charged to taxpayers in legal fees to try and justify his deeply deceitful behaviour over his two-year email saga.”

A Tasmanian Health Service spokesman said people who used equipment from TasEquip were invoiced for $50 a year.

“If the invoice is not paid, a reminder is issued,’’ the spokesman said.

“If a client contacts TasEquip at any point a payment plan can be negotiated. Only in the event that no payment or contact is received is the matter referred to a debt collection agency.”