‘Link to remain open

THERE are no immediate plans to close Geelong’s Centrelink service centres, but Services Australia will review options as office leases come up for renewal.

Centrelink branches in Mornington and New South Wales cities including Newcastle, Newport and Tweed Heads are closing as more clients access services online.

In December last year, the Waurn Ponds Medicare service centre co-located into the Geelong service centre, while NDIS and Centrelink are colocated at Corio.

According to Services Australia, more people are accessing digital Medicare services than ever before, with almost 99 per cent of all patientclaimed GP services claimed electronically.

It’s believed that as leases come up for renewal, Services

Australia will review servicing options and reduce the need for people to visit a centre by increasing online capabilities.

A Services Australia spokeswoman said there were no plans to close the Geelong service centre “at this time”.

When the Waurn Ponds Medicare service centre moved to the Geelong service centre, Department of Human Services general manager Hank Jongen said it reflected a change in access to services.

“While more people are accessing online options, locals who require more personalised or intensive support will have continued access to face-toface Medicare services at the Geelong service centre,” Mr Jongen said.

Opposition government services spokesman Bill Shorten has accused the Federal Government of “secretly” closing down Centrelink shopfronts around the nation.