Sunshine Coast residents will be able to access both Centrelink and Medicare services in a new look Maroochydore Service Centre from Monday 18 May.
All staff and services at the current Medicare shopfront in the Sunshine Plaza will move into the Centrelink service centre at 5 Maud Street to deliver services side-by-side in the refurbished site.
Department of Human Services General Manager Hank Jongen said having government services in one place will be more convenient for local residents, particularly for families in the area.
“Families wanting to enquire about their Centrelink payments will now be able to do their Medicare business at the same time,” Mr Jongen said.
“The Maroochydore Service Centre will have a refurbishment preceding the co-location to ensure the site is easy-to-navigate, with an open-plan layout and modern facilities.
“We are seeing a notable reduction in foot traffic in our Medicare offices across the nation, with most people opting to claim their Medicare rebate at the point of service.
“Nationally more than 91 per cent of all patient claimed GP services are now being claimed electronically at the point of service.
“Maroochydore staff can also help customers connect to the department’s Express Plus mobile apps, so they can interact with Centrelink and Medicare anywhere, anytime.
“Our staff can show you how to use these facilities, including signing up to myGov which allows you to access your Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support information, as well as your eHealth records using one login and password.
“We’re giving customers more control over their Centrelink and Medicare business by providing more options for how, when and where they interact with us.
“However, local staff will still be here to provide face-to-face services to those who need more personal or intensive support, all in one convenient location.”
The co-located Maroochydore Service Centre at 5 Maud Street will be open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
