Man who spent $1m compo in four months now wants Centrelink

A Canberra man who was awarded more than $1 million in worker's compensation and spent almost all of it in just four months claims he hasn't done anything wrong.

In 2006, Jason Cooper broke his neck while diving to catch a football using a milk crate during a half time promotional competition at Canberra stadium.

The former tiler was placed on a Disability Support Pension and eventually awarded damages totalling $1,025,000.

After his costs were paid, Mr Cooper received just over half that amount in settlements in February 2014, meaning he would no longer need to receive Centrelink support until at least September 2017.

But in January this year, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal found Mr Cooper had spent almost all of those funds in just 16 weeks and ruled many of his purchases were "unwise, irresponsible and unnecessary."

After receiving his payout, Mr Cooper bought a three bedroom house near Bateman's Bay on the NSW south coast worth more than $400,000.

Among his purchases were also a ride on mower, fishing equipment, a pool table, multiple TV sets and stereo.

When A Current Affair confronted Mr Cooper about his purchases, he denied any wrongdoing.

"So I bought a house for $410,000," he told A Current Affair.

"You want me to go spend it on alcohol or drugs or gamble it away?" he later added.

Lawyer Sam Macedoni says Mr Cooper failed to structure his compensation payout to provide for his future needs.

"Some of it is for medical expenses, some of it is for income you won't be able to earn and some for other reasons, so you just can't go and blow it," Mr Macedoni told A Current Affair.

Mr Cooper was denied additional welfare payments with Centrelink arguing his case did not meet the special circumstances required, to which the tribunal agreed.

He will be eligible for the pension in two and half years, as previously arranged.

"I've got no problems how I spend my money," Mr Cooper told A Current Affair.

Social Services Minister Scott Morrison says taxpayers pay to help people most in need.

"It's not a vending machine, it's not a jackpot, you don't pull the handle and let the money roll out," Mr Morrison said.

"We're there to help in these situations but the taxpayer can't be taken advantage of."