Post by Banjo on Dec 14, 2010 10:49:32 GMT 7
I find this interesting because it shows, once again, that Centrelink can make decisions and change rules effecting individuals.
Centrelink relaxes rural recipient rules
CENTRELINK has quietly ordered its staff to change its rules for rural welfare recipients.
The rule changes will allow welfare recipients to attend fewer face-to-face interviews in city offices because the cost of travel was driving them into further poverty.
While Centrelink argues the rules have always allowed for exemptions for people travelling vast distances, welfare groups have complained this was not taking place and people were being forced to make big trips for interviews.
The change comes after the Gillard government toughened requirements in July, ruling that job-seekers aged under 25 must attend regular interviews with Centrelink.
A spokesman for the Minister for Human Services, Tanya Plibersek, said where appropriate, personal contact interviews were conducted face-to-face. "However, if a customer is unable to attend a face-to-face interview, alternate arrangements such as a phone interview may be arranged," he said.
In a directive sent to officers, Centrelink says telephone interviews may be arranged if there is limited reliable public transport available from their place of residence to the customer service centre -- or if the cost of the round trip exceeds $35. They are also allowed to do phone interviews where the distance each way between their place of residence and the centre is greater than 80 km to 100 km.
There are also exemptions where the jobseeker has primary care of a child aged 6-16 .
"Jobseekers must have at least one face-to-face interview conducted in every 12-week period. This can take place at any time during a 12-week period. The timing of this face-to-face interview should be aligned with either a Centrelink remote servicing visit or other appointments," the spokesman said.
President of the national Welfare Rights Network Maree O'Halloran said she welcomed the new guidelines.
"But jobseekers from rural and remote areas are still expected to live on just $33 a day and pay much more for transport," she said.
www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/centrelink-relaxes-rural-recipient-rules/story-e6frg6nf-1225970531362
Centrelink relaxes rural recipient rules
CENTRELINK has quietly ordered its staff to change its rules for rural welfare recipients.
The rule changes will allow welfare recipients to attend fewer face-to-face interviews in city offices because the cost of travel was driving them into further poverty.
While Centrelink argues the rules have always allowed for exemptions for people travelling vast distances, welfare groups have complained this was not taking place and people were being forced to make big trips for interviews.
The change comes after the Gillard government toughened requirements in July, ruling that job-seekers aged under 25 must attend regular interviews with Centrelink.
A spokesman for the Minister for Human Services, Tanya Plibersek, said where appropriate, personal contact interviews were conducted face-to-face. "However, if a customer is unable to attend a face-to-face interview, alternate arrangements such as a phone interview may be arranged," he said.
In a directive sent to officers, Centrelink says telephone interviews may be arranged if there is limited reliable public transport available from their place of residence to the customer service centre -- or if the cost of the round trip exceeds $35. They are also allowed to do phone interviews where the distance each way between their place of residence and the centre is greater than 80 km to 100 km.
There are also exemptions where the jobseeker has primary care of a child aged 6-16 .
"Jobseekers must have at least one face-to-face interview conducted in every 12-week period. This can take place at any time during a 12-week period. The timing of this face-to-face interview should be aligned with either a Centrelink remote servicing visit or other appointments," the spokesman said.
President of the national Welfare Rights Network Maree O'Halloran said she welcomed the new guidelines.
"But jobseekers from rural and remote areas are still expected to live on just $33 a day and pay much more for transport," she said.
www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/centrelink-relaxes-rural-recipient-rules/story-e6frg6nf-1225970531362
