Labor is calling on Ann Sudmalis to protect over 150 public sector jobs at Batemans Bay’s Centrelink after it was revealed the Turnbull Government would axe 1,280 staff from across the Department. In a visit today to Batemans Bay Stephen Jones MP, Shadow Minister For Regional Communications, Shadow Minister For Regional Services, Local Government And Territories and Member For Whitlam joined Fiona Phillips, Labor Candidate For Gilmore to show their support for Centrelink staff
Video: "Local Centrelink jobs are at risk from Liberal Government cuts. I want a guarantee that not one local Centrelink job will be cut." Fiona Phillips
Stephen Jones MP told the Beagle "In the 2018 Budget, the Government revealed it would cut $300 million and 1,280 staff from Centrelink putting thousands of regional jobs at risk."
"The Department of Human Services is one of the biggest employers in regional areas where it employs thousands of staff in regional cities and towns across Australia.
"While Australians are finding it more and more difficult to contact and access Centrelink, the Government has consistently undermined regional jobs and services through its job cuts.
"Ann Sudmalis must make clear – there will be no job cuts at Centrelink offices in the Gilmore electorate.
"The Liberals cannot pretend to support regional jobs and the local economy on one hand and cut Centrelink staff on the other.
"The truth is Centrelink is already understaffed and under-resourced. These job cuts will only further threaten local economies like Batemans Bay."
