Perhaps instead of going to your MHR or Leon Byrner you might want to see what the actual rules dictate (unless you're ringing them to find out other areas of support for people in your situation that aren't eligible for Centrelink payments).
If you're supposed to be a carer you're supposed to be there close to full time, if you're working full time as well its obvious you aren't there close to full time and aren't eligible.
On top of that your definition of Low Income Earner might be a little different to that of Centrelinks.
Find out what the rules are, if in your opinion the rules have been broken by Centrelink staff then there is an appeals process that has several tiers.
A quick scan of the Centrelink website tells me Carer's Allowance is not taxable or income tested and is $105.10 pf.
It also tells me there's a "25 hour rule" and if you're away from the person you're supposed to be caring for for more than 25 hours (which I'd imagine would be the case if you're working 42 hours a week) then you do not come close to qualifying for it.
If you don't come close to qualifying I can understand why they're being difficult.
Its a payment for people who care for someone full time, not part time.
I would suggest if your caring duties don't stop you from working then there may not be a payment for you, some would say that's probably fair enough too.
Good luck anyway, I'm about to start dealing with Centrelink tomorrow for my old man.
