Services Australia has today closed some Centrelink and Medicare offices in North Queensland as a direct result of the looming impacts of Cyclone Jasper.
Service Centres in Cairns, Mossman, Yarrabah, Innisfail and Palm Island closed as at 11am (AEST) today, in line with the actions taken from other local businesses.
Minister for Government Services, the Hon. Bill Shorten MP said that it's important to take precautionary measures while the impacts of Cyclone Jasper are not yet known.
"My thoughts are with all Queenslanders who are bracing for the impending impacts of Cyclone Jasper. These are difficult times and are not unfamiliar to those who live in Northern Queensland," Minister Shorten said.
"Today, we're taking precautionary measures to ensure staff are not asked to leave their homes to attend work, and can rather spend time preparing their properties and their families for Cyclone Jasper.
"During natural disasters like fires, floods and cyclones, the safety of staff and customers are absolutely essential, and the last thing we want is to ask Australians to risk their safety during a disaster."
It's expected that impacted Services Australia offices will re-open to the public as soon as it is safe to do so.
As always, Australians can get support with their Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support business using online services or by calling Services Australia.
