~ traveller feared lost in sea of red tape! And here was I worrying about itinerary changes, visas and solo travel, etc., when what derailed my travel plans was an unknown change to the rules of my Centrelink Allowance. With hindsight, I realise that it was for the best, but at the time it was a big shock to me. When I rang the Department to notify them of my trip overseas 7 weeks before departure, they asked me if I was aware of the new rules; ie instead of being able to be out of the country for 6 months and still receive the Allowance, I could now only be away for 13 weeks before it would be cut off. The prospect of travelling far away from the home fires, without income for even the
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