NSW Labor calls on Government to increase Service NSW workforce after yesterday’s Centrelink fiasco

·

Pictures emerged yesterday morning of government service centres, including Centrelink, with dozens of people waiting in line to access government payments not adhering to social distancing rules.

In response, NSW Labor has called on the Government to significantly increase staff numbers at Service NSW to deal with increased demand from the COVID-19 crisis and ongoing bushfire recovery.

The Government’s plans to cut $110 million from the budget of Service NSW will see millions of NSW residents worse off, including through jobs cut from the agency.

“Staff are stretched to the limit in our Service NSW centres and there appears to be no plan to fix it,” Labor Shadow Minister for Better Public Services, Sophie Cotsis, said.

“Our community relies on Service NSW to pay bills and access cost of living rebates, and never has it been more important that those services are safely accessible to the community.”

The Federal Government has announced that Services Australia will hire an additional 3000 new staff to help manage relief payments, however, no similar move has been announced by the NSW Government.

“The Berejiklian Government has an opportunity to help the community by ruling out cuts to Service NSW and employing additional staff during the crisis,” Ms Cotsis said.

“We know that a bipartisan approach to dealing with the COVID-19 crisis is essential, however, we won’t leave workers behind. Our Service NSW staff need to be properly resourced so they can continue to provide our community with vital services.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Paros submerged, Syros pelted by hail as storms sweep the Cyclades

Severe weather swept across several Cycladic islands on Monday, March 31 with Paros and Syros among the hardest hit.

Sydney remembers Cyprus’ fight for freedom ahead of National Day anniversary

Cypriot and Greek Australians gathered in solemn remembrance on Sunday, 30 March, for a memorial service marking Cyprus National Day.

Greek Orthodox Community of SA celebrates 204th year of Greek Independence

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia commemorated Greek Independence Day with joyous festivities on Sunday, 30 March.

From alleyway to legacy: Coburg’s Kastoria Lane project gains momentum

Merri-bek City Council has greenlit public consultation for the naming of Kastoria Lane, a project set to transform a neglected alleyway.

Burwood Council celebrates Greek National Day with local community

On Wednesday, March 26, Burwood Council hosted its annual Greek National Day celebrations, marking the 1821 start of Greece's Revolution.

You May Also Like

The winners and losers of the 2022 Federal Budget

The Albanese government has unveiled its first budget, promising to make life "easier for Australians," here are the winners and losers.

Greece opens border to almost 10,000 Albanians due to seasonal workers shortage

Greece and Albania have signed an agreement paving the way for Albanians to work in Greece’s agriculture sector, despite the coronavirus restrictions.

Greek Consulate in South Australia hosts Independence Day celebrations

On March 25, the Greek Consulate of South Australia hosted an evening of cultural pride and celebration to mark Greek National Day.