Multiple Defaults Removed in 54 Days — Perth
An illustrative example of how two defaults — from a utility provider and a telco — plus a cluster of duplicate enquiries were addressed under the Privacy Act 1988, lifting a credit score out of the low 400s. A de-identified example for general information; results vary and outcomes are never guaranteed.
The Situation
In this illustrative Perth matter, the borrower had two defaults and a cluster of duplicate enquiries weighing on their file, with a score in the low 400s that shut down most options.
When a file has several issues at once, it can feel hopeless — but each listing and each enquiry is a separate item, assessed on its own facts. A file like this is worked through methodically, not all-or-nothing.
What the Review Found
On review, two listings were challenged on the basis that they did not meet the credit reporting requirements under the Privacy Act 1988, and several enquiries were identified as duplicates. Each listing and enquiry is assessed individually; where a listing breaches the rules or an enquiry is incorrectly recorded, it can be disputed and, where the grounds hold, corrected or removed.
The Illustrative Outcome
After the two listings were challenged on compliance grounds and the duplicate enquiries were addressed, the score recovered into the high 600s — illustratively, from around 418 to around 691. A shift of that size changes which lenders will consider an application at all.
Illustrative results notice: This is a de-identified illustrative example provided for general information. It is not a specific identifiable client, not a guarantee of results in any other matter, and the figures shown are illustrative only. All work is subject to individual assessment under the Privacy Act 1988.
Multiple Listings and Duplicate Enquiries
A file carrying several negatives isn't automatically beyond help. Multiple defaults can each be challenged where each was listed incorrectly, and duplicate enquiries — the same application recorded more than once, for example — may be able to be corrected. Hard enquiries generally remain on file for five years, so cleaning up genuine duplicates can be worthwhile.
When can listings be challenged?
Common grounds include the required section 21D notice never being issued, an incorrect default amount, a debt genuinely in dispute, identity fraud, or enquiries that were recorded inaccurately. A correctly listed item generally can't be removed before its retention period ends. See multiple defaults removal and credit enquiry removal.
What the Process Generally Looks Like
It starts with reading the full credit file from the relevant bureaus to map every listing and enquiry. Each item that appears not to meet the credit reporting requirements is then disputed on its own grounds. A credit reporting body generally has 30 days to respond, and a rejected but valid dispute can be escalated to AFCA or the OAIC.
Australian Credit Solutions works on a No Win No Fee basis and reports a typical 30–90 day timeline for most removals, though timeframes vary — especially where a file has multiple items. Outcomes are never guaranteed and every matter is subject to individual assessment.
Related Reading
Sources
- OAIC — credit reporting — oaic.gov.au
- Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) — legislation.gov.au
- ASIC Moneysmart — credit repair — moneysmart.gov.au
Multiple Defaults Questions
Can multiple defaults be removed at once?
Can duplicate credit enquiries be removed?
How much can defaults lower a credit score?
Is this a typical or guaranteed result?
Several Listings Weighing Down Your File?
A free, no-obligation assessment shows you what is listed on your file and whether any listing or enquiry can be challenged under the Privacy Act 1988. No Win No Fee — you only pay if we succeed.
Australian Credit Solutions Pty Ltd holds Australian Credit Licence ACL 532003. This is a de-identified illustrative example provided for general information only; it does not describe a specific identifiable client and is not a guarantee of any outcome. The figures shown are illustrative. Credit file correction services are subject to individual assessment and results may vary.
Last updated: 14 June 2026 · Reviewed by Elisa Rothschild BA/LLB · ASIC ACL 532003