NSW government recalls debt recovery letters for hotel quarantine
The New South Wales government has been required to amend and resend 44,000 letters to returning travellers in relation to payment for hotel quarantine because of an error explaining its legislative power to recover debts.
Over 134,800 invoices were issued during the pandemic, charging inbound travellers for hotel quarantine: those who have not paid have been issued debt recovery orders demanding payment.
However, the debt recovery letters have a small error including a non-existent piece of legislation that says its powers are contained in the State Debt Recovery Act 2013.
The correct law is the State Debt Recovery Act 2018.
The Guardian approached Revenue NSW and was told that they are “now aware of the incorrect reference” and that over 44,300 debt recovery orders were issued with the wrong information.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Revenue NSW will issue amended Debt Recovery Orders to all affected individuals, however this will not alter the requirement that each invoice be paid,” a spokesperson said.
Returned travellers started being charged for hotel quarantine in mid 2020.
The premier at the time Gladys Berejiklian said, “Australian residents have been given plenty of time to return home – and we feel it is only fair that they cover some of the costs of their hotel accommodation.”
Irit Jackson, 4th November 2021
