Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, today announced he had secured the continuation of Medicare and Centrelink services in Mornington.
Mr Hunt said he secured the go ahead for a new Agent service to ensure Australian Government services, including Centrelink and Medicare, can continue to be available in Mornington. This agent will be available for 15 hours a week, up to three days a week, to provide face-to-face services in the community.
The Mornington Agent service will add to an extensive network of around 350 Agents across Australia. The Service will allow customers to access Centrelink, Medicare and other Australian Government services within Mornington.
“Within five minutes of being informed of the Mornington Centrelink closure, I was speaking to the Minster for Government Services, Stuart Robert MP,” Minister Hunt said.
“Importantly, I have confirmed that Mornington Service centre staff will be retained and continue to serve the community at the Rosebud and Frankston Service Centres, if they wish to do so.”
“I’ve listened to the concerns of residents and advocated directly to the Minister and his office. Following two weeks of advocacy, I am pleased to say a new Agent service can ensure a continuation of Centrelink and Medicare services in Mornington,” Mr Hunt said.
“The new Agency service will be delivered by the community, for the community. I urge all local groups who are interested in providing these services to apply to operate this service.”
“The tender will be widely promoted to allow local groups to review and apply. I urge all interested groups to contact my office to stay informed, or visit servicesaustralia.gov.au and search for Agent EOI.”
“We are seeing that Australians are increasingly choosing to use different options, such as internet based services, to access Government support. However, it is important that those who wish to have a face-to-face interaction have that option, as well as assistance to gain the training necessary to access newer opportunities online.”
Expressions of Interest for the Agent service will be advertised locally over the coming weeks, remaining open for 10 business days.
The new Agent service will complement Services Australia service centres at Rosebud and Frankston.
The existing Frankston, Rosebud and Hastings Service Centres will remain open serving the Peninsula, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.