Rudd Government must rule out Centrelink job cuts on North Coast

May 13, 2010

Federal MP Luke Hartsuyker has called on the Rudd Government to rule out job cuts to Centrelink offices and call centres on the North Coast, after it was revealed that more than 1880 positions would be axed nationwide.

The cuts were announced in last Tuesday’s budget. Mr Hartsuyker said with high numbers of aged pensioners, disability pensioners and above average unemployment, it was essential no jobs were cut on the North Coast.

“Front line services must be maintained across the region and residents must be able to access the necessary support and advice on the ground. Under the Rudd Government we have already seen jobs cut in some Centrelink offices, such as Kempsey.  The Rudd Government has turned its back on regional Australia and the concern is they will slash services on the North Coast to pay for their waste and mismanagement.

“The Coffs Harbour Centrelink call centre effectively services Australians right across the nation.  The expansion of the call centre under the previous Coalition Government made the Coffs operation one of the biggest employers on the Coffs Coast. Currently there are approximately 380 people employed at the Coffs call centre and any reduction in staff would flow through to the local community.

“Regional communities can deliver call centre services effectively and efficiently compared to metropolitan areas where there are labour shortages and the cost of office space is at a premium. If the Rudd Government is looking for a money grab to pay for their $94 billion debt then they should look at areas where demand for services is trending down. To deliver local staff peace of mind the Government must immediately rule out any job cuts on the North Coast,” Mr Hartsuyker said.