doing a dodgey? (6)

Sorry AA, they only write down the 'facts they hear.' Meaning, they only write what they want to write. And then you have to prove what you said and recording a telephone conversation must have the other party's agreement or it is not acceptable.

Best way is to make the other party (whether Government or other companies) aware that you are writing down the information they are giving you. Stuff such as "The time and date is ...... Your name is .... and no last name provided."

When people are aware that you are writing details of the conversation down, a lot does change in how they deal with you.

The CSA are very good at saying "We are only following the Family Law Act." That is when you ask them what section they are referring to. Stumps them every time. Most of the time they have no real idea of what they are talking about, it is just something that someone else has told them on how to get rid of a call.

The Family Law Act is on the internet and easy to look up but can be hard to follow. Essentially, write out the details of the conversation (referencing time, date and name), your understanding of the section of the Act referred to by the CSA and asking them to confirm the conversation and the interpretation by the CSA and youself.

However, if you child is with you, it is good to have a diary of all the dates and to approach CentreLink to look at getting the circumstances changed. Even drag your child along to confirm it.

I did go to CentreLink today to let them know I had stopped working. Told the very helpful Information Lady that I had stopped working and not sure what I am supposed to do next. I was thinking of getting the Seniors Card so I can get those 3 course meals at the club for $10 when the main meal alone costs $15-20.

She gave me this little card and said "You need to ring this number and make an appointment. Next please." Thought she was just going to give me a number and "go sit over there until your number is called."

Great. Didn't have to stand around with all those sick people sneezing and coughing all over the place. Last thing I need is getting sick and not being able to take a paid sickie like some (Micky).

Got home and the number she had circled was "Employment Services."
Should have put my glasses on to read the card.

I got the impression that it was the CSA that is the problem referred to.

A mate has his son at least 9 nights every fortnight and has to pay Child Support. CentreLink has accepted the care arrangements and "acknowledged" that he has at least 51% of the primary care. His son's school contacts him as the "primary carer" because the mother is "unavailable because she is working" but does realise that he does work full-time and cannot leave work to travel the 40kms to the school at the drop of the hat while the mother is 2kms away and supposedly only working part time. She only declares half of what she works to the Tax Office.

CSA says "You earn more, therefore you pay. End of conversation."