New data reveals residents in the Toowoomba region are waiting on average 68.3 days for age pension applications to be processed, in addition to a range of other vital Centrelink services.
Federal Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton said it was unacceptable to make our most vulnerable wait months for payment applications to be processed, especially in a cost-of-living crisis.
“Local residents rely on these payments made fast and efficiently.
“Unfortunately people are being left behind with claim processing times in some instances taking up to 82 days and this is making life very difficult, especially as costs rise and budgets are under pressure,” Mr Hamilton said.
Documents obtained by the Opposition from Senate Estimates in February shows that from 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2023, in the Toowoomba Local Government Area it took Services Australia:
• 68.3 days to process claims for the Age Pension
• 42.4 days to process claims for Austudy
• 50.7 days to process claims for Carer payment
• 82 days to process claims for Disability Support Pension
• 70 days to process claims for the Low Income Card.
Sky-high delays paint a grim picture when so many in the community are experiencing hip pocket pain.
Mr Hamilton said Services Australia was under pressure and the government needed to do more to sort out the performance mess.
“Our local Services Australia staff do a great job, they work hard and are responsive but as the data shows they are not being supported by the Albanese Government,” Mr Hamilton said.
ENDS.
Media Contact: Greta Dwan 0414 211 908
