But yes, I have seen the other side: one example from a couple of years back is here.

Later

Jim Belshaw has responded. I agree totally with:

…some of the things that the Howard Government attempted to do via Centrelink was bad policy, while also being obscene in moral terms…

I kept well away from it during the Howard years. It was more punitive than supportive far too often, as well as inadequately resourced. Jim’s explanation (from one well versed in public service) is interesting. And Benjamin, having observed the Beast close up in some of S-W Sydney’s harder areas under the Great Grey Garden Gnome, is well placed to comment too.

I can only repeat that my experience has thus far been positive, as it had been on the few occasions when I had dealings with its predecessor in the Keating years. I also know of others this year who have been well treated, a contrast with the kind of thing I reported about Lord Malcolm a couple of years back. And it is Redfern I am talking about too, not exactly the most salubrious part of the city when it comes to Centrelink issues.

The list could go on. I think people’s hatred for Centrelink is very very reaching.