I’m sure you all have probably heard about the mass walk-out staged by Centrelink staff across Australia. The situation has escalated over unsuccessful negotiations for a 11.2 per cent wage increase. This has resulted in the agency losing a substantial amount of its workforce overnight.
The public has been assured that the labour action won’t interfere with the regular payments to beneficiaries, but the implications for the 9.4 million individuals dependent on nation-wide income support remains somewhat hazy.
To ease the pressure on Services Australia, GM Hank Jongen, has requested customers with non-urgent requirements to pause their visit until next week or until further notice.
You should probably also expect Centrelink wait times to increase, for the time being, considering 10,000 plus staff involved in today’s strike represent over a third of its workforce.
Public Sector Union Spokesperson made clear their stand. There might also increased industrial action if the government doesn’t respond favourably. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, the Fair Work Ombudsman, and the Department of Agriculture’s workforce is deciding whether they’ll also take part in future strikes, following the approval of protected work action last week.
Senator Janet Rice, a Greens spokesperson for social services purports an increased struggle on part of the recipients of Centrelink aid, as the system clearly needs urgent reforms.
In other words, if it isn’t urgent, probably best to wait for now. You should also start here for assistance:
The Centrelink older Australians line (132 200) is for older Australians who need help with their payments and services, including Age Pension.
For more information about digital coaching visit http://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/digitalcoaching
We also encourage people impacted by cost of living pressures to talk to our free Financial Information Service Officers: http://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/fis
For more information about Aged Care Specialist Officers visit http://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/myagedcarefacetoface
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