The Australian Government Department of Human Services is bringing Medicare and Centrelink services together under the same roof in Morley.
All staff and services from the Medicare Service Centre at the Galleria Shopping Centre will relocate to the Morley Service Centre at 38 Rudloc Road from Monday 12 January.
Department of Human Services National Manager Scott Anderson said the move reflected the trend of delivering more government services from a single point, while also acknowledging significant changes in the way customers are accessing services.
“The approach of bringing the Department of Human Services programs together began in 2009 and there are now more than 160 one-stop shops across the country,” Mr Anderson said.
“Nationwide, demand for face-to-face Medicare services is decreasing as people take advantage of other claiming options, such as claiming at the doctors’ surgery.
“If your doctor doesn’t offer this service, you can still make a claim for common rebate items through myGov in your Medicare online account, or using the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.”
Mr Anderson said in the last financial year, more than 85 per cent of all patient claims for GP services were lodged electronically at the doctors’ practice.
“In Morley, for example, the number of customers using electronic claiming has increased from 64 per cent in October 2013, to over 80 per cent in October 2014,” Mr Anderson said.
“This means that for many people, there is no need to visit a service centre on a regular basis.
“The decrease in customers coming into our service centres, combined with the end of our lease at the Galleria Shopping Centre, has contributed to the decision to consolidate our services into our Morley Service Centre in Rudloc Road.
“While many people are choosing alternative service options to complete their business, staff will be available at the Morley Service Centre to provide face-to-face services to those who require more personalised or intensive support.”
The Morley one-stop shop will be open Monday to Friday, from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
