The Department of Human Services is bringing Medicare and Centrelink services together under the one roof from today, Monday 28 September 2015 to form the new Chatswood one-stop shop.
Department of Human Services General Manager Hank Jongen said Chatswood will join over 200 communities around the country that now have access to the department’s one-stop shops.
“Staff and Medicare services currently located at the North Sydney Service Centre within Northpoint Plaza and the Chatswood Service Centre within Westfield Chatswood will move to the new one-stop shop on Archer Street,” Mr Jongen said.
“Moving to a one-stop shop model is part of a national service delivery rollout that since 2009, has provided convenient, easy-to-access, coordinated government services for customers.”
Mr Jongen said the number of people visiting the service centres within Northpoint Plaza and Westfield Chatswood has significantly dropped since the introduction of a range of alternative Medicare claiming options.
“Foot traffic at both service centres has more than halved, and combined with the end of our leases at Northpoint Plaza and Westfield Chatswood, has contributed to the decision to consolidate our services into the Chatswood Service Centre,” Mr Jongen said.
“A reduction in people accessing these service centres is largely due to two factors: the move away from cash rebates for Medicare services in 2012, and the growing trend of doctors offering patients the ability to claim their rebate electronically at the surgery.
“The best way to claim your Medicare benefit is directly at the doctor, and nationally, more than 95 per cent of all Medicare claims are now lodged electronically at the point of service.
“I also encourage Lower North Shore residents to check out the range of digital services available through myGov and the department’s Express Plus apps, which allow people to do their routine government business where and when it suits them.
“However, rest assured staff at Chatswood will continue to be available to provide face-to-face services to people who require more personalised or intensive support.”
The Chatswood Service Centre is located at 56-64 Archer Street and is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
