The Albanese Labor Government has commenced delivery on one its key election commitments in Tasmania with the delivery of a new Services Australia service centre in Sorell.
Subject to council approval, the architect designed centre will start to be built on Dubs and Co Drive soon, cementing our commitment to returning frontline Services Australia staff back into the communities who need them most.
Minister for Government Services, the Hon Bill Shorten MP announced today that Sorell in Tasmania will be one of the first communities to benefit, with a new purpose-built Services Australia service centre due for completion in 2024.
“I made a promise to Australians that we would protect the availability of face-to-face government services,” Minister Shorten said.
“Bolstering frontline staffing levels in the regions delivers better outcomes for Australians and combats the culling of Services Australia staff that we saw under the former Government.
“After the disaster of the Robodebt scheme, the idea that removing humans from human services will lead to better outcomes, is quite frankly absurd.
“Labor is committed to putting boots back on the ground, learning from the recommendations of Robodebt Royal Commission report to wind back the agency’s reliance on labour hire, and protect ongoing staff.”
Work is already underway to restore the capability of frontline government services nationally, combatting the deterioration of government services that occurred under the former Coalition Government.
“The new service centre will be in the member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell’s electorate, and is a testament to his passionate advocacy to bolster the availability of important frontline services for his constituents,” Minister Shorten said.
Member for Lyons, Mr Brian Mitchell MP said that the announcement fulfills the Government’s election commitment to boost frontline staffing numbers and will be an important addition to the local area.
“This announcement will be welcome news for locals in Sorell and will fulfill yet another election commitment under the Albanese Labor Government, following the myGov User Audit and Robodebt Royal Commission,” Mr Mitchell said.
“Sorell is one the fastest growing communities in Tasmania, and under the former Government, Sorell was neglected, joining a growing list of locations that lost access to a Centrelink office.
“This announcement will right that wrong and enable folks on the ground to get support right where they need it.”
