Labor promises more Centrelink staff for regional areas

Pensioner Val Harding will have her way, if Labor wins the federal election, after years of petitioning for a Centrelink presence in a region north of Brisbane.

Longman MP Susan Lamb election promise for five roaming Centre Link staff for Bribie Island and Woodford. Pictured with Val Harding.

BRIBIE Island pensioner Val Harding will have her way, if the Labor Party wins the 2019 Federal Election, after years of petitioning for a Centrelink presence locally.

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Federal ALP MP for Longman Susan Lamb today announced five mobile Centrelink support staff will be made available to the island and the western rural suburb of Woodford.

“I remember when Val came to my office back in 2017 seeking to have Centrelink workers

help vulnerable people on Bribie Island,” Ms Lamb said.

“Over 300 signatures later and Val’s hard work certainly paid off. Val’s advocacy gave me

just what I needed to take our community’s voice to Canberra and fight for our area.”

“This commitment will mean that the seniors, veterans, and young families in our community

are going to benefit from quality support right here on Bribie Island.”

Longman MP Susan Lamb has made an election promise for five roaming Centre Link staff for Bribie Island and Woodford. Pictured with Val Harding.

This election promise builds on the one Bill Shorten made during the 2018 Longman by-election for an extra 50 Centrelink staff in the Caboolture office.

The mobile team will be formed from staff within this additional allocation.

Shadow Minister for Health Services Ed Husic said Labor plans to invest 1200 new permanent full-time jobs nationwide.