Hartsuyker calls on Rudd Government to guarantee existing jobs at Centrelink on North Coast

February 29, 2008

The Nationals Federal Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker, today called on Human Services Minister, Joe Ludwig, to guarantee no existing Centrelink jobs will be cut from the North Coast.

 

Mr Hartsuyker’s call follows revelations that Centrelink expects its funding to be cut by between $150 million and $300 million in the next financial year.

 

“At a Senate Estimates hearing, Centrelink’s Chief Executive Officer Jeff Whalen indicated that 2000 staff could lose their jobs as a result of these cutbacks,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

 

“According to Centrelink these jobs could be cut from all areas.

 

“Our region has already been hit hard by the Rudd Government’s decision to cancel the expansion of the Coffs Harbour Centrelink Call Centre which would have created an additional 126 new jobs.

 

“It is essential that the jobs at existing call centres and customer service centres are preserved.

 

“Under current staffing arrangements many Centrelink clients already experience significant delays in accessing services.

 

“Any job cuts would further erode Centrelink’s capacity to deliver an acceptable level of service.”

 

Mr Hartsuyker said the demographics of the North Coast meant it was essential current services were maintained.

 

“Although our unemployment rate has been trending down in recent years, we still have an unemployment rate that remains above the national average.

 

“We have many people who are returning to the workplace in a part-time capacity but still require front line and call centre services on a regular basis.

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