Government Services Minister Bill Shorten must stop hiding and explain to the public what Centrelink and Medicare services have been impacted because of today's union-led strike at Services Australia, and the long-term scale of the disruption on customers.
According to media reports the strike could involve almost 30 per cent of Services Australia's 34,000 strong workforce.
Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy Paul Fletcher said the strike is a powerful example of an agency and government that has misplaced its priorities.
"Services Australia is a basket case and Bill Shorten needs to accept responsibility for its litany of failures," Mr Fletcher said.
"Australians need Centrelink and Medicare services more than ever because of Labor's cost of living crisis and this industrial action will cause angst and confusion for people already doing it tough. Monday also happens to be the busiest day for Services Australia telephony.
"I wrote to Bill Shorten on Friday requesting he outline the impact the strike will have on service delivery across the agency for today and beyond."
The letter requested Mr Shorten to provide the following:
- Expected duration of the strike
- Expected number of staff involved in the strike per face-to-face site
- Expected impact on face-to-face wait times per site
- Expected impact on timelines for claims processing and payments
- Best internal agency point of contact for case escalation
Locally-based Senator Paul Scarr said that it is very disappointing that the Albanese Labor Government has been unable to reach an agreement with the Union.
"The people of Ipswich rely upon this Centrelink office and these services. Ipswich suffers from a higher level of unemployment than most of Australia - the last regional figure was 6.5% compared to a national rate of 3.7%. Pensioners and carers rely upon this office to access services," Senator Scarr said.
