Centrelink services to be available at the Bridgetown and Merredin telecentres

4/6/98

An innovative trial at the Bridgetown and Merredin telecentres will mean greater convenience for people receiving Centrelink services.

Regional Development Minister Hendy Cowan said the Federal and State Governments had reached agreement to provide a range of vital Centrelink services on site at the Bridgetown and Merredin telecentres.

Thousands of people ranging from families and carers to job seekers, the aged and disabled receive Centrelink services in Merredin, Bridgetown and surrounding areas. Previously, the nearest office for Merredin clients was Midland and the nearest for Bridgetown was Bunbury.

During the four-month trial, the two telecentres will act as Centrelink agents stocking forms and information brochures, arranging referrals, following up queries and accepting completed claim forms. A direct phone line to Centrelink will also be available.

State of the art video-conferencing facilities will allow face-to-face interviews to be conducted with staff hundreds of kilometres away and visiting Centrelink officers will use the telecentres as a base for seminars, briefings and client meetings.

Mr Cowan said the 51 telecentres in WA were helping overcome the tyranny of distance by providing instant access to the Internet and other electronic services.

Fitted out with computers, scanners, faxes, laminators, printers, photocopiers and other equipment, the telecentres provide a crucial resource for remote residents and businesses.

"The decision to expand into Centrelink services brings yet another tangible telecentre benefit to country regions," Mr Cowan said.

Media Contact: Peter Jackson: 9222 9595