The Department of Human Services will concentrate its efforts on supporting those in need of immediate assistance, including communities affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie, during this afternoon’s industrial action by the CPSU.
Staff who are members may take part in the stoppages across the country from 12:30pm (local time). The action has the potential to affect face-to-face and telephone services across Centrelink, Medicare and the Child Support Agency.
General Manager Hank Jongen said the department was well prepared and regular payments will not be affected.
“We may have reduced numbers of staff in service centres and on the phone,” Mr Jongen said.
“However, rest assured we have arrangements in place to make sure staff will still be available to help those in financial hardship or in need of urgent help.
“This includes the communities impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie. We have already diverted Mobile Service Centre Golden Wattle to Queensland in anticipation of the recovery efforts.
“For this reason, if you don’t need to contact us urgently, consider delaying your visit this afternoon or contacting us another time.
“The self-service options available through myGov and the Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support mobile apps remain the best options for people needing to conduct business with the department during the action.
“We appreciate the community’s patience during this time and want to reassure them that we are working hard to minimise disruption to the services they need,” Mr Jongen said.
Information on digital self-service options is available at humanservices.gov.au/selfservice
