Media Release
Centrelink goes onsite to help Mitsubishi workers
18 February 2008
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, said Centrelink would be onsite at Mitsubishi’s Tonsley Park plant, south of Adelaide, from tomorrow (Tuesday 19 February) to help workers affected by the closure of the company’s manufacturing operation.
“Centrelink is very experienced in helping workers in this situation and specialist staff will be onsite from today to speak directly with workers,” Senator Ludwig said.
Staff from Centrelink’s Financial Information Service (FIS) will conduct a series of seminars for workers over the next few days. In addition, staff will be available onsite for one-on-one interviews between now and when the factory closes at the end of March.”
“Centrelink staff can help workers understand their redundancy payments, how to make best use of their redundancy and what their redundancy might mean on future or existing Centrelink payments, such as Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Benefit.”
Senator Ludwig said the Centrelink activity at Mitsubishi would complement employment and training services being provided at the Tonsley Park plant from this week as part of the $50 million Australian and South Australian Government employee assistance and industry development package.
“As it has been two weeks since Mitsubishi’s announcement, workers have had time to digest the news and start carefully considering their options,” Senator Ludwig said.
“The provision of Centrelink staff onsite will be a valuable resource for the workers as they start to firm up their future plans.”
Workers who wish to contact Centrelink directly to discuss their circumstances can phone 13 2850, visit their local Customer Service Centre or visit www.centrelink.gov.au.
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