Vulnerable residents in Flynn are waiting much longer than before to receive vital Centrelink payments since the Albanese Labor Government took office.
New data disclosed by Services Australia after sustained pressure from the Opposition shows that the time it takes to process claims has massively blown out.
The below table, using data disclosed by Services Australia during Senate Estimates on 25 October 2023, shows examples of the average number of days taken to process a claim.
| Payment | Average days to process in FY 2022-2023 | Average days to process in FY 2023 to 31 August 2023 |
| Additional Child Care Subsidy Transition to Work | 39 | 98 |
| Disability Support Pension | 46 | 80 |
| Age Pension | 33 | 61 |
| Dad and Partner Pay | 20 | 56 |
| Carer Payment | 45 | 52 |
| Low Income Card | 16 | 48 |
Federal Member for Flynn, Colin Boyce said the new data reveals it is taking more than three months for some people to receive much needed financial support.
“Families in our community are struggling through a cost-of-living crisis and they need vital Centrelink payments to hit their bank accounts as quickly as possible. Instead, they are experiencing a government that operates at a snail’s pace,” Mr Boyce said.
“You could drive around Australia faster than you would receive some of these payments. It’s embarrassing.
“This is a kick in the teeth for vulnerable residents in Flynn. I’ll keep fighting to make sure Labor know they can’t leave us behind.”
Shadow Minister for Government Services, Paul Fletcher MP, said the blowout in wait times was unacceptable.
“Government Services Minister Bill Shorten is presiding over a dysfunctional agency,” Mr Fletcher said.
“It comes as no surprise given call wait times have also gone through the roof under Labor and Services Australia’s most recent annual report revealed the agency was failing to meet its own KPIs.
“The Albanese Labor Government must get Services Australia back on track, starting with a root and branch review of its operations and a return to top quality customer service.”
