Coronavirus: Calls for NSW Government to fast track Service NSW centres across Sydney
Ten new Service NSW centres and hundreds of jobs could be rolled out into communities across Sydney, if a fast track plan from the NSW Opposition is supported. SEE WHERE THE CENTRES WOULD BE BUILT HERE.
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Communities across Greater Sydney could be left without access to Service NSW centres close to home for another four years — unless the NSW Government answers calls from the Opposition to fast track 10 promised centres.
Opposition better public services spokeswoman, Sophie Cotsis, has pleaded with the State Government to open 10 Service NSW centres in Merrylands, Engadine, Revesby, Glenmore Park, Roselands, Northmead, Schofields, Prestons/Edmondson Park, Randwick and North Sydney in order to offer more public jobs and increase services to local communities.
“The NSW Government should honour its election promise and deliver the new Service NSW Centres and additional ones in high populated areas such Campbelltown and Dapto as soon as possible to stimulate the economy and help people access assistance,” Ms Cotsis told NewsLocal Australia.
“Service NSW helps people access a variety of Government programs including driving licence applications and renewals, vehicles registration, occupational licences and cost of living programs.
“The demand for Service NSW assistance surged during the bushfires and of course during COVID-19.”
More than 1.5 million people have contacted service NSW since the beginning of COVID-19. Granville state Labor MP Julia Finn said the need for a new Service NSW centre in Merrylands was a perfect example of why the projects should be fast tracked.
“The population of Merrylands has grown by 12 percent since 2012, but the NSW Liberal Government has failed to provide new services to match this growth,” Ms Finn said.
“The Government promised a new Service NSW Centre for Merrylands more than one year ago, but they are saying residents may have to wait another four years.
“Local residents need to go to Silverwater for driving tests because Parramatta doesn’t offer these types of services that used to be in Merrylands.”
Greystanes resident, Frank Vella, said he was forced to travel to Wetherill Park or Silverwater for a drivers licence test because of the lack of services provided in Parramatta.
“Driving tests were done here for decades and we need them back,” Mr Vella said.
The calls to fast track the opening if centres comes as Heathcote state Liberal MP Lee Evans revealed the Engadine Service Centre opening has been delayed “due to COVID-19”.
“I appreciate this is extremely disappointing however as you would understand, this was out of our control,” he said. “I can assure you Service NSW is working to open the Centre as quickly and safely as possible while adhering to the Public Health Orders.”
Customer Service Minister, Victor Dominello, said an additional 1000 workers were being hired to meet increased demand during COVID-19.
“We are committed to delivering the additional 10 Centres, with the Revesby and Engadine Centres opening later this year,” he said.
“The remaining eight new Service Centres will be delivered in this term of government in accordance with the election commitment.”