Centrelink payment wait times ‘embarrassing’ says Colin Boyce
A regional Qld MP has blasted Centrelink payment delays, claiming it’s quicker to drive around Australia than receive the important payments. Vote in our poll.
South Burnett
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Centrelink payment wait times have almost doubled in 2022, with some payments taking months to process.
The average time to process disability support pension has risen to 80 days, up from 46 days last year.
The additional child care subsidy transition to work payment took an average of 39 days to process last year. It now takes an average of 98 days.
Flynn MP Colin Boyce said payments took too long for families who needed it now.
“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,” Mr Boyce said.
“You could drive around Australia faster than you would receive some of these payments. It’s embarrassing.”
The age pension, dad and partner pay, carer payment and the low income card have all increased significantly in wait times too.
The LNP’s spokesperson for government services Paul Fletcher said the blowout in wait times was unacceptable.
Government Services Minister Bill Shorten was contacted for comment.
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