Staff cuts impact pensions

CALLS for more Centrelink jobs to be created in Townsville have been renewed after a survey found more than half of seniors applying for the pension were unhappy with the service.

A survey of more than 4500 people by National Seniors Australia found more than 60 per cent of respondents were either dissatisfied or ambivalent about Centrelink’s processing of their pension applications.

Those surveyed said they were frustrated with call wait times and processing times.

Herbert MP Cathy O’Toole said the “clear solution” to the high levels of dissatisfaction was to restore Centrelink jobs.

“When you cut public sector jobs, the public sector services only get worse,” she said.

“Townsville needs more public sector jobs, particularly in Centrelink.”

Ms O’Toole said she was “deeply concerned” about the long waiting periods and other frustrating application barriers for pensioners.

“Many individuals have waited up to several weeks and even months for straightforward Age Pension claims as well as Disability Support Pension and Youth Allowance claims to be considered,” she said.

“Staff cuts and increasing casualisation of the Department of Human Services workforce has exacerbated the issue of long processing times at Centrelink.”

A Government spokesman said the Department of Human Services worked hard to finalise claims as quickly as possible.

“We have a range of initiatives underway to reduce call wait times and we are already seeing the benefits of this work,” he said.

“We’re engaging an additional 1000 staff to help answer busy phone lines.”

The spokesman said the department allowed people to lodge their pension claim 13 weeks prior to the date they are due to become eligible to ensure a “smooth transition”.

“Most Age Pension claims are processed within our target of 49 days, however a range of factors can cause delays such as failing to submit all of the required supporting documentation with an initial application,” he said.

But Community and Public Sector Union Queensland assistant regional secretary Amy Smith said the Government was “trying to pretend” everything was OK at Centrelink.

“We have clear evidence from this survey and the experience of our members working in the department that’s not the case,” she said.