Services strike to slow phones
Services Australia has requested customers to postpone office visits and phone inquiries amid strike action this week.
Industrial action stemming from failed pay negotiations is expected to result in over 25 per cent of its 34,049 employees walking off the job, potentially closing Centrelink branches.
Services Australia's general manager, Hank Jongen, says, “anyone who can delay their business should do so”, but assuring that service centres and phone lines would remain open.
Online and self-service options remain unaffected and available 24/7.
The strike's impact on vital services for vulnerable individuals has raised concerns.
Shadow minister Paul Fletcher has criticised the strike and called on Bill Shorten to clarify affected services and provide assistance plans for Monday.
Fletcher also accused Shorten of withholding claims processing data and refusing lawful FOI requests.