Clean Up Centrelink Mess

[Banker]

Incoming Human Services Minister Brendan O’Connor will be immediately put to the test in his new portfolio, following reports today that one third of all Centrelink rulings are being overturned on appeal.

Shadow Minister for Families, Housing and Human Services Kevin Andrews said today that such figures were indicative of the decline of the agency under the Gillard Government.

“I hope Brendan O’Connor is ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work, because he’s got a big job ahead of him to get this agency back on track,” Mr Andrews said.

“Centrelink is spiralling out of control. Welfare fraud is running rampant, the quality of service delivery is at an all-time low, and we’ve had damning reports from both the ANAO and Commonwealth Ombudsman exposing deficiencies in Centrelink’s review and appeals processes. The previous Minister sat on her hands and watched the situation get worse. Will Brendan O’Connor do likewise?”

Mr Andrews said the Australian public were “fed up” with Centrelink. “They won’t tolerate these blunders any longer, and nor should they.”

Mr Andrews challenged Mr O’Connor to immediately confront the issues plaguing Centrelink. “Certainly his first order of business once he’s sworn in should be to fix this mess,” Mr Andrews said.

“The decline of Centrelink has been allowed to continue for too long under this government. The first thing Mr O’Connor should do as Minister is stand up and announce what, if anything, he is going to do to get this agency under control.”

kevinandrews.com.au/media/release/national-release/human-services-minister%E2%80%99s-first-task-%E2%80%93-clean-up-centrelink-mess

[spaceyone]

Not before time. I was reading some information from 2007 the other morning, about their bungles and deliberate bullying tactics. Nothing had changed since that article had been posted. Lets hope that it does now.

I had also read a few months ago, that C/L were now simply ignoring any FOI requests which covered information demonstrating deliberate errors by their staff. If any of your requests have been ignored, maybe it is time to ask again.

I hope the new minister is a better housekeeper than the last one.

[spaceyone]

I just found this slightly different version of the same article. This one's opening paragraphs support the things we complain about.


Minister must confront out of control Centrelink

14/12/11

The enormity of the task confronting new Human Services Minister Brendan O’Connor to get Centrelink back on track grows by the day, following further reports of misconduct by Centrelink staff.

Shadow Minister for Families, Housing and Human Services Kevin Andrews today described the agency as “out of control.”

“This week alone we’ve had reports of customers being effectively abused and offended by a taxpayer funded survey commissioned by Centrelink, we’ve seen that one third of all Centrelink rulings are being overturned on appeal, and we’ve had shocking reports exposing misconduct by Centrelink staff.”

Mr Andrews said the reports showed new Human Services Minister Brendan O’Connor would have his hands full trying to fix the mess left by his predecessor, Tanya Plibersek.


www.liberal.org.au/Latest-News/2011/12/14/Minister-must-confront-out-of-control-Centrelink.aspx


Every dog has its day .....

[Banker]

Thanks spacey that is a good find. My wish is to get as much as possible on Centrelink staff with fraud and abuse as we can & I want the media to expose the staff that are responsible by name & pictures. It will be good if this gets into google alerts

[spaceyone]

Unfortunately, I don't think anyone would be allowed to get away with exposing them publicly by name and photos.

Its offensive that we cannot expect the same rights of privacy that they have, when they are the ones going through our personal information, often without proper reason, motive or permission.

[Banker]

Dec 20, 2011 5:09:17 GMT 7 Banker said:

Thanks spacey that is a good find. My wish is to get as much as possible on Centrelink staff with fraud and abuse as we can & I want the media to expose the staff that are responsible by name & pictures. It will be good if this gets into google alerts

It has made google alerts ;D

[Banjo]

I forwarded the email