Media Release
Reform of service delivery to help families
13 May 2008
The Australian Government is committed to real reform of service delivery to provide better services for millions of Australian families, pensioners, job seekers and students.
Australians dealing with Centrelink and other agencies can expect better customer service as a result of tonight’s Budget.
The Budget provides $91 million to customer service initiatives, including call centres, online access and research into better ways to deliver services for families into the future.
“The Government is committed to building a modern service delivery system for Australia’s future,” Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig said.
“Many customers get frustrated by inefficient services that rob them of their time. The Government is committed to reforming service delivery to make it easier for seniors, families, job seekers and students to deal with Government services,” Senator Ludwig said.
Senator Ludwig said the Government has committed $10 million in funding for 2008-09 to explore further options to reform service delivery in the coming years.
“The Rudd Government is dedicated to investigating new ways to deliver improved services to Australians with a focus on innovative options, particularly for those living in the bush,” he said.
“$59.1 million has been allocated to Centrelink call centres, to ensure quick and efficient telephone access for families, pensioners and those looking for work.”
This will be accompanied by a review of the agency’s call centre demand and funding arrangements, to reduce uncertainty and disruption to customer service.
Centrelink will receive $13.3 million in 2008-09 to maintain its investment in its modern computer program IT Refresh.
“Centrelink’s IT system has delivered savings of $305 million over the past five years, as well as improvements in online service delivery for families,” Senator Ludwig said.
Senator Ludwig said the Government is also providing $8.6 million to improve access to electronic claiming of Medicare rebates.
“The extra funding for electronic Medicare payments is aimed at making it easier and more convenient for families to receive payments.”
“This year’s Human Services Portfolio Budget has balanced the need for fiscal responsibility and continued high levels of service delivery for all Australians. The Federal Budget shows the Australian Government is committed to providing better frontline services for all Australians,” Senator Ludwig said.
Media Contact: Joe Scavo 0413 800 757.