A tradesman who lost his leg after being mauled by a shark has been refused a disability pension by Centrelink and a lump sum by his super fund.
Glenn Dickson, 25, was spearfishing on the Great Barrier Reef in February when he was attacked repeatedly by a 3.5 metre man-eater and almost died six times.
The former tradesman survived and was released from hospital after only five weeks, but lost his right leg and is unable to work.
A tradie (pictured) who lost his leg after being mauled by a shark has been refused a disability pension by Centrelink and a lump sum by his super fund
Glenn Dickson (pictured with partner Jess), 25, was spearfishing on the Great Barrier Reef in February when he was attacked repeatedly by a 3.5 metre man-eater and almost died six times
The former tradesman survived and was released from hospital after only five weeks, but lost his right leg and is unable to work (pictured is Centrelink’s letter)
Despite his severe injury – requiring the father-of-two to use a prosthetic limb with a cane or a wheelchair – Centrelink are refusing to give him a disability pension.
‘I think I became a number, a dollar sign that they could save money on,’ Mr Dickson told A Current Affair.
‘It feels like being kicked in the guts, by your own government.’
Mr Dickson and his partner Jess believe it is simply unfair for him to be refused the Disability Support Pension.
Mr Dickson (pictured, left) and his partner Jess (pictured, right) believe it is simply unfair for him to be refused the Disability Support Pension
Despite his severe injury – requiring the father-of-two (pictured) to use a prosthetic limb with a cane or a wheelchair – Centrelink are refusing to give him a disability pension
‘I think it’s ridiculous, there’s so many other people out there who get a disability pension and Glenn who’s missing a leg … he can’t be entitled?’ said Jess.
To make matters worse, his superannuation fund Sunsuper will not pay Mr Dickson a lump sum, giving him his money over six years instead.
Mr Dickson said the company changed their policy only 12 months before the shark attack, otherwise he would be able to collect the lump sum.
The young family have now accepted a pro bono offer from Will Barsby from Shine Lawyers to help him fight Centrelink and Sunsuper.
To make matters worse, his superannuation fund Sunsuper will not pay Mr Dickson (pictured) a lump sum, giving him his money over six years instead
Mr Dickson (pictured) said the company changed their policy only 12 months before the shark attack, otherwise he would be able to collect the lump sum
Although Mr Dickson is getting a Newstart allowance, it amounts to $400 less a fortnight than the disability pension.
Mr Barsby is trying to get Sunsuper to pay Mr Dickson a lump sum so he can buy a new home or a new prosthetic.
The Department of Human Services said in a statement they believe Mr Dickson is getting the correct payment and he has the right to request a review of the decision.
Sunsuper said their research showed members prefer being paid in installments rather than receiving lump sums, and said ‘significant consideration’ had been given to Mr Dickson’s case.
Although Mr Dickson (pictured) is getting a Newstart allowance, it amounts to $400 less a fortnight than the disability pension