Rebel as unsinkable said the best thing to do is negotiate a monthly payment plan - for a 12k debt they will likely accept $250-$500 per month.
I've been in similar situations in the past and you just have to say 'look, I don't have the money, I'll do the right thing and pay you back, it's just going to take a while.'
Start out by offering $50/mth and just go up in $50 increments until they accept.
At on stage I had a $9k debt to Aussie Exchange (owned by Westpac) with whom I negotiated a $500/mth repayment.
I imagine MFG will be more sympathetic in your case as it was largely beyond your control.
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