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MEDIA RELEASE - SERVICES AUSTRALIA PAYMENT PROCESSING TIMES BLOW OUT UNDER LABOR
PAUL FLETCHER MP
Shadow Minister for Science and the Arts
Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy
Manager of Opposition Business in the House
MEDIA RELEASE
15 February 2024
SERVICES AUSTRALIA PAYMENT PROCESSING TIMES BLOW OUT UNDER LABOR
Australians are waiting longer to receive crucial welfare payments, with new figures revealing processing times have blown out under the Albanese Labor Government.
Documents tabled by Services Australia from Senate Estimates expose the delays and blow out in processing times amid a cost of living crisis.
For example, people applying for the Low Income Card are now waiting five times longer compared to when the Coalition was in government.
Shadow Minister for Government Services Paul Fletcher said the new data is a shocking reminder of Government Services Minister Bill Shorten’s incompetence and inability to manage his portfolio.
“Australian families are struggling to pay their bills and they need these vital payments as quickly as possible. Having to wait nearly three months in some cases is embarrassing and unacceptable,” Mr Fletcher said.
“Services Australia should be the front door to government services, but Australians are having that door slammed in their face.
“Whether you are a facing financial hardship, a senior citizen, new dad, or person living with a disability, you are worse off under Labor.
“These figures follow previous revelations that Centrelink call wait times have skyrocketed and customers are abandoning visits to Services Australia centres in worrying numbers.
“I repeat my calls for there to be a root and branch review of Services Australia’s operations to improve the agency’s performance. Australians deserve a better customer service experience.”
The below table compares average days to process payments between financial year 2021-22 and from 1 September 2023 to 31 December 2023.
Media contact: William Sparling | 0416 628 276 | [email protected]
