Media Release
Minister for Human Services visits Port Augusta
22 August 2006
Minister for Human Services, the Hon. Joe Hockey MP, will visit Port Augusta today to meet community leaders, tour Centrelink’s Rural Call Centre and see first-hand how the Australian government is delivering services to Indigenous communities.
“Centrelink is one of Port Augusta’s largest employers, with around 110 staff at the local Customer Service Centre and the Rural Call Centre,” Minister Hockey said.
”The Call Centre is one of only two Centrelink Rural Call Centres in Australia, so I’m keen to see how staff provide services to regional and remote communities throughout the state."
“As Minister for Human Services, I’m responsible for improving access for customers to six agencies - Centrelink, Medicare Australia, Australian Hearing, the Child Support Agency, CRS Australia and Health Services Australia."
“Port Augusta has risen to the challenge - Child Support Agency services are available onsite at Centrelink. This makes it easier for customers to do more of their business in one place."
“The Howard Government is committed to improving access and the quality of services to all Australians regardless of where they live, which is why I’m touring South Australia and Western Australia this week.”
Accompanying Minister Hockey during the visit will be Human Services Indigenous Ambassadors Kyle Vander-Kuyp and Bo de la Cruz who are providing an important link between the communities and government agencies, whilst also acting as mentors and role models for young Indigenous Australians.
During his time in Port Augusta, the Minister will tour Centrelink’s Customer Service Centre and Rural Call Centre, before visiting the Bungala Community Development Employment Project (CDEP).
“Bungala CDEP has more than 580 participants, making it the largest project in South Australia,” said Minister Hockey.
“It has 14 sites, stretching from Port Augusta to Oodnadatta and through the Flinders Ranges and covers the largest area of any project in Australia."
“Participants take part in meaningful employment or training in areas such as building and construction of transportable homes, teaching driving, business administration, aged care, first aid, cooking and landscaping.”
After leaving Bungala, the Minister will have lunch with staff from Work Solutions Australia, who provide Job Capacity Assessments as part of the Government’s Welfare to Work changes. From here, the Minister will visit the Lakeview Accommodation Centre, before meeting members of the adjacent Davenport Community.
“The Lakeview Accommodation Centre uses Centrepay, which is a convenient deduction facility provided by Centrelink for its customers,” he said.
“Most of the residents are also Centrelink customers, so it makes sense for them to have the costs for accommodation and meals directly deducted from their Centrelink payment."
“I’m aware the resident health care workers at Davenport deliver excellent primary health care and give great support to GPs and other health professionals from Pika Wiya with their lead-up work and health assessments,” said Minister Hockey.
“The health clinic at Davenport community is supported by the larger Pika Wiya Aboriginal Medical Service in Port Augusta. Medicare Australia works hard to support the efforts of Pika Wiya and Davenport . Provider applications are processed same day if required, particularly in areas of need.”
Day two itinerary Tuesday 22 August |
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|---|---|
| 9.00am | Minister Hockey visits Port Augusta Customer Service Centre and Rural Call Centre - 99 Commercial Road, Port Augusta |
| 11:00am | Minister visits Bungala CDEP organisation - 3 Young Street, Port Augusta |
| 12:15pm | Minister visits Work Solutions Australia office - Lot 500 Stirling Road, Port Augusta |
| 1:30pm | Minister visits Lakeview Accommodation Centre - Port Augusta |
| 3:15pm | Minister visits Davenport Community - 18 Simmons Street, Port Augusta |
Media Contact: Wendy Black - 0437 978 028.