A media statement released in August announced that the South Melbourne Centrelink office would close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations.

Hank Jongen, the General Manager of Services Australia, explained that they had exhausted the available lease extensions in South Melbourne and had conducted extensive searches in the surrounding areas. However, these efforts had yielded no suitable options.

'Services Australia actively explored alternative property solutions on 17 occasions since 2020. We advertised these opportunities through an open tender and explored the possibility of co-locating with other government agencies. Unfortunately, no suitable sites were identified or available,' Mr Jongen stated.

He added that they even considered areas neighbouring South Melbourne. However, the properties there either failed to meet their requirements and standards—such as accessibility—or were not offered by landlords.

The South Melbourne Centrelink office would close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations. Credit: Shutterstock.

Mr Jongen expressed regret over the closure of the service centre in South Melbourne. He emphasised that every possible effort had been made to retain the service centre, but no other suitable location could be found.

He further stated that although all avenues to identify a new site in and around South Melbourne had been exhausted for the time being, Services Australia is open to considering new opportunities that may arise in the future.

'Services Australia is committed to servicing the inner city Melbourne community and will continue to look at the mixture of services on offer and how the agency can improve connections with people in need.'

Senator Janet Rice described the impact this closure could have for constituents, saying: 'People on Centrelink payments are already doing it tough - and it's about to go from bad to worse.'

'Not only are income support payments far below the poverty line but now even accessing those inadequate payments is going to be that much tougher.'

'It places an unnecessary burden on people who are already facing financial hardship. We should be making it easier for them to access the support they need, not harder.'

Adding to these concerns is the fact that the affected area currently has nearly 10,000 people relying on Jobseeker payments. This situation has raised significant alarm within the South Melbourne community, especially in Macnamara, where the closure is taking place.

Kerrie, a local resident and a retired community worker, is one of many who will be affected by the Centrelink closure.

She pointed out that beyond herself, the closure will also massively impact the most marginalised and vulnerable members of their community, including homeless individuals, disabled people, some older residents, and others who either lack access to digital devices or find them challenging to use.

'People flock to the inner city due to the abundance of services,' she observed.

'When you're living in precarious circumstances but still have to report your earnings every fortnight to Centrelink, it can be a lot easier to just present at the local office than to find a working phone line or public computer.'

'Some people just can't afford to keep their phone or laptop in credit for the whole fortnight. Reporting in person is cheaper than buying a phone recharge voucher,' she explained.

According to Mr Jongen, Services Australia's specialist staff will continue supporting vulnerable community members in the inner city, operating at over 14 locations.

'Community Engagement Officers and Multicultural Service Officers will continue to visit 10 locations, including the Sacred Heart Mission, St Kilda Crisis Contact Centre, Melbourne City Mission and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre regularly,' he said.

He also pointed out that a Community Partnership Specialist Officer is stationed at the Salvation Army Project 614 daily, ensuring that the most vulnerable individuals can access Centrelink services at a place they already rely on for support.

The South Melbourne Service Centre will cease operations on Friday, 27 October 2023. According to Services Australia, there will be no job losses, as all staff will be relocated to nearby service centres.

Key Takeaways

• The South Melbourne Centrelink office will close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations.
• The closure will heavily impact residents in the area, nearly 10,000 of whom are on Jobseeker payments.
• The closure will also impact the most vulnerable and marginalised members of their community, including homeless individuals, disabled people, some older residents, and others who either lack access to digital devices or find them challenging to use.
• Despite the closure, Services Australia says it will continue supporting the inner-city Melbourne community through various means, including Community Engagement Officers and Multicultural Service Officers.

What are your thoughts on this story, members? Have any Centrelink branches in your vicinity also closed down? If they have, how has it impacted your community and those who depend on its services? Were you personally affected by these closures?

Feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments below! We're eager to read your thoughts.

 

[IAN3005]

Why don't they have an equiped Cenrelink bus to travel to the locations most B

Why don't they have an equiped Cenrelink bus to travel to the locations most affected?

because they want to squeeze you and force you, to go digital. Saves them money..... the holy $$$$$

 

[Andrew]

A media statement released in August announced that the South Melbourne Centrelink office would close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations.

Hank Jongen, the General Manager of Services Australia, explained that they had exhausted the available lease extensions in South Melbourne and had conducted extensive searches in the surrounding areas. However, these efforts had yielded no suitable options.

'Services Australia actively explored alternative property solutions on 17 occasions since 2020. We advertised these opportunities through an open tender and explored the possibility of co-locating with other government agencies. Unfortunately, no suitable sites were identified or available,' Mr Jongen stated.

He added that they even considered areas neighbouring South Melbourne. However, the properties there either failed to meet their requirements and standards—such as accessibility—or were not offered by landlords.

View attachment 29870

The South Melbourne Centrelink office would close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations. Credit: Shutterstock.

Mr Jongen expressed regret over the closure of the service centre in South Melbourne. He emphasised that every possible effort had been made to retain the service centre, but no other suitable location could be found.

He further stated that although all avenues to identify a new site in and around South Melbourne had been exhausted for the time being, Services Australia is open to considering new opportunities that may arise in the future.

'Services Australia is committed to servicing the inner city Melbourne community and will continue to look at the mixture of services on offer and how the agency can improve connections with people in need.'

Senator Janet Rice described the impact this closure could have for constituents, saying: 'People on Centrelink payments are already doing it tough - and it's about to go from bad to worse.'

'Not only are income support payments far below the poverty line but now even accessing those inadequate payments is going to be that much tougher.'

'It places an unnecessary burden on people who are already facing financial hardship. We should be making it easier for them to access the support they need, not harder.'

Adding to these concerns is the fact that the affected area currently has nearly 10,000 people relying on Jobseeker payments. This situation has raised significant alarm within the South Melbourne community, especially in Macnamara, where the closure is taking place.

Kerrie, a local resident and a retired community worker, is one of many who will be affected by the Centrelink closure.

She pointed out that beyond herself, the closure will also massively impact the most marginalised and vulnerable members of their community, including homeless individuals, disabled people, some older residents, and others who either lack access to digital devices or find them challenging to use.

'People flock to the inner city due to the abundance of services,' she observed.

'When you're living in precarious circumstances but still have to report your earnings every fortnight to Centrelink, it can be a lot easier to just present at the local office than to find a working phone line or public computer.'

'Some people just can't afford to keep their phone or laptop in credit for the whole fortnight. Reporting in person is cheaper than buying a phone recharge voucher,' she explained.

According to Mr Jongen, Services Australia's specialist staff will continue supporting vulnerable community members in the inner city, operating at over 14 locations.

'Community Engagement Officers and Multicultural Service Officers will continue to visit 10 locations, including the Sacred Heart Mission, St Kilda Crisis Contact Centre, Melbourne City Mission and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre regularly,' he said.

He also pointed out that a Community Partnership Specialist Officer is stationed at the Salvation Army Project 614 daily, ensuring that the most vulnerable individuals can access Centrelink services at a place they already rely on for support.

The South Melbourne Service Centre will cease operations on Friday, 27 October 2023. According to Services Australia, there will be no job losses, as all staff will be relocated to nearby service centres.

Key Takeaways

• The South Melbourne Centrelink office will close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations.
• The closure will heavily impact residents in the area, nearly 10,000 of whom are on Jobseeker payments.
• The closure will also impact the most vulnerable and marginalised members of their community, including homeless individuals, disabled people, some older residents, and others who either lack access to digital devices or find them challenging to use.
• Despite the closure, Services Australia says it will continue supporting the inner-city Melbourne community through various means, including Community Engagement Officers and Multicultural Service Officers.

What are your thoughts on this story, members? Have any Centrelink branches in your vicinity also closed down? If they have, how has it impacted your community and those who depend on its services? Were you personally affected by these closures?

Feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments below! We're eager to read your thoughts.

It's the same with NDIS offices. Few and far between.

 

[IAN3005]

A media statement released in August announced that the South Melbourne Centrelink office would close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations.

Hank Jongen, the General Manager of Services Australia, explained that they had exhausted the available lease extensions in South Melbourne and had conducted extensive searches in the surrounding areas. However, these efforts had yielded no suitable options.

'Services Australia actively explored alternative property solutions on 17 occasions since 2020. We advertised these opportunities through an open tender and explored the possibility of co-locating with other government agencies. Unfortunately, no suitable sites were identified or available,' Mr Jongen stated.

He added that they even considered areas neighbouring South Melbourne. However, the properties there either failed to meet their requirements and standards—such as accessibility—or were not offered by landlords.

View attachment 29870

The South Melbourne Centrelink office would close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations. Credit: Shutterstock.

Mr Jongen expressed regret over the closure of the service centre in South Melbourne. He emphasised that every possible effort had been made to retain the service centre, but no other suitable location could be found.

He further stated that although all avenues to identify a new site in and around South Melbourne had been exhausted for the time being, Services Australia is open to considering new opportunities that may arise in the future.

'Services Australia is committed to servicing the inner city Melbourne community and will continue to look at the mixture of services on offer and how the agency can improve connections with people in need.'

Senator Janet Rice described the impact this closure could have for constituents, saying: 'People on Centrelink payments are already doing it tough - and it's about to go from bad to worse.'

'Not only are income support payments far below the poverty line but now even accessing those inadequate payments is going to be that much tougher.'

'It places an unnecessary burden on people who are already facing financial hardship. We should be making it easier for them to access the support they need, not harder.'

Adding to these concerns is the fact that the affected area currently has nearly 10,000 people relying on Jobseeker payments. This situation has raised significant alarm within the South Melbourne community, especially in Macnamara, where the closure is taking place.

Kerrie, a local resident and a retired community worker, is one of many who will be affected by the Centrelink closure.

She pointed out that beyond herself, the closure will also massively impact the most marginalised and vulnerable members of their community, including homeless individuals, disabled people, some older residents, and others who either lack access to digital devices or find them challenging to use.

'People flock to the inner city due to the abundance of services,' she observed.

'When you're living in precarious circumstances but still have to report your earnings every fortnight to Centrelink, it can be a lot easier to just present at the local office than to find a working phone line or public computer.'

'Some people just can't afford to keep their phone or laptop in credit for the whole fortnight. Reporting in person is cheaper than buying a phone recharge voucher,' she explained.

According to Mr Jongen, Services Australia's specialist staff will continue supporting vulnerable community members in the inner city, operating at over 14 locations.

'Community Engagement Officers and Multicultural Service Officers will continue to visit 10 locations, including the Sacred Heart Mission, St Kilda Crisis Contact Centre, Melbourne City Mission and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre regularly,' he said.

He also pointed out that a Community Partnership Specialist Officer is stationed at the Salvation Army Project 614 daily, ensuring that the most vulnerable individuals can access Centrelink services at a place they already rely on for support.

The South Melbourne Service Centre will cease operations on Friday, 27 October 2023. According to Services Australia, there will be no job losses, as all staff will be relocated to nearby service centres.

Key Takeaways

• The South Melbourne Centrelink office will close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations.
• The closure will heavily impact residents in the area, nearly 10,000 of whom are on Jobseeker payments.
• The closure will also impact the most vulnerable and marginalised members of their community, including homeless individuals, disabled people, some older residents, and others who either lack access to digital devices or find them challenging to use.
• Despite the closure, Services Australia says it will continue supporting the inner-city Melbourne community through various means, including Community Engagement Officers and Multicultural Service Officers.

What are your thoughts on this story, members? Have any Centrelink branches in your vicinity also closed down? If they have, how has it impacted your community and those who depend on its services? Were you personally affected by these closures?

Feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments below! We're eager to read your thoughts.

Next time you see the dork of a man look for the puppet strings, condescending pillock.

 

[Milica]

I’ma bit surprised they found the time to actually close it. People waiting 6 to 9 months for jobseeker and aged pension with a bit over a year for disability pension. I have been waiting for 5 months for urgent financial assistance.

That's disgusting - i bet Mr Jongen would not have to wait that long if all of a sudden he found himself in the same position - i am sure he wont - he vocalises that he really cares? Really!

 

[Milica]

sounds like you're putting your hand up to investigate. The size of a building to cater for the staff numbers means there are no building sufficiently large enough. The current building like so many other inner city large sites is destined to be an apartment building.

They are not really interested in finding a building or putting more staff on that they have to pay!
They would prefer not to see anyone and for the public to do everyone on line.

 

[Milica]

I'm telling you this is the first of many that will close. They want you to do everything on line.

I'm still waiting for DSP it's going on to 8 months

That's disgusting that you are still waiting - and it seems their is no-one that really cares to get
it done any faster-i do hope you are successful soon and will be backpaid from the time you submitted the DSP application!

 

[Milica]

What a judgemental response and one that shows your disrespect for people. I am gathering you understand that people accessing ALL Centrelink payments are affected and not just the unemployed (for whom you show such disdain)? Do you want people who are disabled and unable to use public transport to travel to another centre? Elderly folks who have a need for a closer centre? How about the homeless who have barriers to travelling far? Empathy and compassion are amazing traits and ones I am sure you would benefit from cultivating.

I was also thinking about the points you have raised:_)

 

[Milica]

Centrelink can be formidable when dealing with them. When my son was 21, he was getting treatment for cancer. He had to stop work, so he applied for unemployment benefits. Centrelink rejected him, because he had some money in his bank account from working. They said he needed a nil bank balance. At the time, he was living at home with us, which gave him support.

Lets hope they never have to go thru that disgusting request of being rejected because a person has money in the bank that they have worked for! C/Link does not possess any human compassion or interaction with clients on a human level - it is all about the almighty $ (that vulnerable pple need and are entitled to - to be able to survive somewhat) they make it harder than it needs to be for a person to be able to access monies that they are entitled to - it is a c/link money saving strategy - they should find themselves in the same position of trying to obtain a C/link payment - and then being rejected - what would they do then. Plse go further with your claim - c/link recipients are entitled to have monies in the bank and assets, including a home - there are diff criteria for diff payments. All the best to you all.

 

[Penny4]

Lets hope they never have to go thru that disgusting request of being rejected because a person has money in the bank that they have worked for! C/Link does not possess any human compassion or interaction with clients on a human level - it is all about the almighty $ (that vulnerable pple need and are entitled to - to be able to survive somewhat) they make it harder than it needs to be for a person to be able to access monies that they are entitled to - it is a c/link money saving strategy - they should find themselves in the same position of trying to obtain a C/link payment - and then being rejected - what would they do then. Plse go further with your claim - c/link recipients are entitled to have monies in the bank and assets, including a home - there are diff criteria for diff payments. All the best to you all.

Thanks so much Milica. My son is nearly 36yrs old, plus he's healthy and cancer free - he had Thyroid cancer. As a mother, it's something I will NEVER forget from Centrelink, and I let everyone know!

 

[Milica]

Thanks so much Milica. My son is nearly 36yrs old, plus he's healthy and cancer free - he had Thyroid cancer. As a mother, it's something I will NEVER forget from Centrelink, and I let everyone know!

It is so good to hear that he is now cancer free! As a mother of a son, how can you forget
your treatment from C/Link and you should let pple know - this dept seems to think they can do and make whatever decisions they like - but their is always a higher body to go to!

 

[Ezzy]

As already stated, l am at a loss to understand why a suitable location could not be found in the area given the number of businesses going under. Those premises are vacant & with a bit of moderfication would surely suffice.

People are waiting unreasonable periods for payments. Is this again due to the fact trained staff were put off when COVID started & less applications were being processed but then when COVID eased new staff were needed & untrained people were recruited & had to be trained?

Have you been to a Centrelink Office recently? Talk about getting the run around, getting told everything is O.K., no need to report anymore then receiving a letter telling you you need to supply certain information. The information was sought & printed, a trip to CL & then you are told you need an appointment. This happened just weeks ago to my wife who works 3 or 4 times per year supervising University exams. A copy of weekly wages was required going back to 2017.

Should we ask for everything in writing when visiting these offices so we have proof that nobody here knows what they are doing? So damn frustrating.

 

[Ezzy]

They are not really interested in finding a building or putting more staff on that they have to pay!
They would prefer not to see anyone and for the public to do everyone on line.

What these departments forget is that not every person has access to a computer & sometimes finding your way around a programme can be a nightmare, especially if you are a 'wrinkly' like me.

 

[IAN3005]

And so it begins!!!!!

Money... it will cost money

 

[IAN3005]

That's disgusting - i bet Mr Jongen would not have to wait that long if all of a sudden he found himself in the same position - i am sure he wont - he vocalises that he really cares? Really!

That condescending voice of his sends me into a conniption... as if he cares two hoots