Services will be boosted at Footscray Service Centre with staff relocating from Newport Service Centre as of Monday 23 December 2019.
Department of Human Services General Manager Hank Jongen said the move provides an opportunity to commit more resources to service delivery during peak periods.
‘The consolidation of services, skills and staff will allow us to further assist people who require more complex support from our Footscray location,’ Mr Jongen said.
‘This is part of our ongoing commitment to providing quality assistance for people accessing both Centrelink and Medicare services.’
As leases come up for renewal, the department takes the opportunity to review its servicing options to ensure it continues to keep pace of the changing needs of the community.
‘The number of customers accessing face-to-face services at Newport Service Centre has declined over recent years as more and more people choose online options,’ Mr Jongen said.
‘People can complete most of their Centrelink and Medicare business at a time and place that suits them thanks to our range of digital services including smartphone apps.
‘While the Newport location will no longer be operating, we will continue to provide face-to-face services to people who require more intensive or personalised support at our Footscray and surrounding Service Centres.’
In addition to the Footscray Service Centre there are alternative service centres in the area that provide both a Centrelink and Medicare service, such as the Newmarket Service Centre and Sunshine Service Centre.
The Footscray, Newmarket and Sunshine Service Centres are open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
