Joint Media Release
(38k)Senator the Hon Joe Ludwig
Minister for Human Services
Senator for Queensland
Chris Trevor MP
Member for Flynn
1 December 2008
Medicare Australia and Centrelink team up in Emerald
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, and Member for Flynn, Chris Trevor MP, today welcomed the start of operations at the new Medicare Australia office in Emerald.
Senator Ludwig said the Australian Government has committed $1.6 million over four years to bring better Medicare services to Emerald residents.
“Residents in Emerald will now be able to access a range of non-cash related services, including submitting a claim, updating their personal details or enrolling in Medicare Australia,” he said.
“Medicare Australia is co-located with Centrelink at Wide Bay Capricorn House, 50 Borilla Street, delivering on the Government’s priority to providing vital support and services to all Australians.”
“The co-location of these offices will provide locals with better access to a range of Government services face-to-face.”
“The additional access to Australian Government services will further enhance those already available to the community, including specialist services such as the Financial Information Service and Social Work support.”
Mr Trevor said the Rudd Government was delivering on its pre-election commitment to the Emerald community.
“I’m pleased to see Medicare Australia now has a presence in the local Emerald community. That’s what I promised and that’s what the community has got,” Mr Trevor said.
“The new office will particularly benefit residents who are unable to travel far distances and who need access to a range of Government services.”
“The Rudd Government promised to deliver Medicare Australia services to the local community before the election, and now we’re meeting that commitment.”
The office hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday. For information about Medicare Australia services, visit the website www.medicareaustralia.gov.au.
Media contacts
Minister Ludwig's Media Contact: Sarah Cosson — 0423 823 843
Mr Trevor's Media Contact: Kyal Butler — 0439 744 949.
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