Woman told to repay $19,208 to Centrelink

Narelle Lee Peterson, of Sydney Road, Mudgee, was charged with two counts of ‘Receive financial advantage from Commonwealth entity’ when she appeared in Mudgee Local Court last Wednesday. 

The charges relate to information Peterson incorrectly submitted to the Department of Human Services – Centrelink between April 29, 2011 and December 31, 2012 in regards to a Parenting Payment Single payment and between January 18, 2013 and April 12, 2013 in regards to a Newstart Allowance payment. 

Over this period of time, Peterson was a cleaner at the Waratah Hotel and was paid on a weekly basis by the owners. Court documents show that during this time, Peterson was receiving payments from Centrelink, but that she had failed to report the full amount she was earning to the government so these payments could be properly calculated. 

From April 2011 to April 2013, Peterson received more than $19,208 from Centrelink that would not have been paid if her correct work hours had been reported.  

Mr Lucas said in these types of matters, the court always had to consider a jail time as a deterrent to both the defendant and other members of the community. 

“If you do something like this again, you will be living at Silverwater,” Mr Lucas said. 

Peterson was ordered to repay the $19,208.10 she had received dishonestly from Centrelink and fined $4000.