Joint Media Release
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig
Federal Member for Calwell, Maria Vamvakinou
Centrelink assistance for OneSteel workers
26 February 2008
Centrelink will be onsite at OneSteel’s Martin Bright Mill in Somerton tomorrow (Wednesday, 27 February) to assist workers facing redundancy.
“This is obviously a very difficult and uncertain time for workers and their families and Centrelink stands ready to do all it can to assist,” Senator Ludwig said.
Centrelink will hold four information sessions across the day for the 90 affected workers.
“Onesteel’s decision to close its Martin Bright mill has left 90 employees facing redundancy before years end,” Ms Vamvakinou said.
“The electorate of Calwell is heavily reliant on the manufacturing sector for local employment, and a closure like this will have an unsettling effect,” Ms Vamvakinou said.
“My priority is to ensure that the Federal Government does all that it can to help these workers and their families,” Ms Vamvakinou said.
“Centrelink staff are very experienced in handling these types of situations and understand this is an extremely stressful time for the workers and their families,” Senator Ludwig said.
“Information will be available about the impact of redundancies on eligibility for Centrelink benefits and any effect this may have on existing payments, such as family or child care payments.”
“The sessions will also include information on how to register with the Job Network, which can help workers in their transition to their next job,” said Senator Ludwig.
“OneSteel has also indicated it will be working closely with affected workers in the months ahead to provide them with a variety of assistance and support,” said Senator Ludwig.
Senator Ludwig said additional Centrelink support is also available for workers and their families, including free social work services.
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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(27k) Media Contacts
Media contact for Federal Human Services Minister: Barb Barrett—0448 469 787.
Media contact for Maria Vamvakinou: Alex Kouttab—0417 541 465.