7.16.4.1 — All reasonable efforts should be made to locate debtors before write-off is considered. However, the cost effectiveness of pursuing recovery must be kept in mind where extensive inquiries may be necessary.

7.16.4.2 — Initially, departmental records or other easily accessible non-departmental records should be checked. These would include:

• DVA pension records
• DVA Health services computer records including contacting a LMO
• telephone directory
• known employers
• known financial institution records
• motor transport records
• ATO records
• electoral rolls
• Centrelink records.

7.16.4.3 — The extent of inquiries to be made should be determined by taking into account the amount of the debt outstanding, the age of the debt, the period since any recovery was made, and the known circumstances of the debtor, i.e. the likely prospect of recovery being made.