Centrelink has origins in slavery reaching far back into history's arse. Centrelink's current practices are embedded deeply within its dreary, depressing and completely heartless history. In any country where slavery has been legal, there has been Centrelink. Wherever slaves were held under involuntary control, with their balls firmly grasped in the palm of a crushing overlord, there has been Centrelink. And whenever slaves have been forced by the state to undertake gruelling labour under disgusting conditions, without the right to refuse or leave there has been Centrelink.