Joint Media Release

Senator the Hon Joe Ludwig
Minister for Human Services
Senator for Queensland

Jim Turnour MP
Member for Leichhardt

31 March 2009

New look Centrelink office opens in Thursday Island

Residents on Thursday Island now have better access to Centrelink eServices, following a major refurbishment of the local Customer Service Centre.

Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, was on Thursday Island today to reopen the centre on the corner of Hastings Street and Victoria Parade.“This new look centre will provide the local community with better access to Centrelink services and support,” Senator Ludwig said.

“It offers the full range of Centrelink services for families, seniors, young people, students, jobseekers, people with a disability and carers.”

“The centre also gives local residents access to Centrelink’s new eService arrangements, with a computer, two telephones and a job search kiosk for customer use.”

“eServices are a quick and convenient way for Centrelink customers to report, update or simply view their details, potentially skipping long waiting lines.”

Member for Leichhardt, Jim Turnour, said the newly refurbished centre has been outfitted with the latest technology to meet the growing local demand for better access to government services.

“I encourage people in my local area to make full use of the services being offered by Centrelink at this centre,” Mr Turnour said.

Centrelink established a presence in the Thursday Island community about 15 years ago.

The centre has on-site customer parking and disabled access amenities.

For information about Centrelink services, visit the website www.centrelink.gov.au.

Media Contacts

Senator Ludwig’s Media Contact: Joe Scavo — 0413 800 757
Mr Turnour’s Media Contact: Belinda Featherstone — 0427 737 203.