Ringwood Centrelink slammed after failing to provide toilets for clients

ANGRY Centrelink clients in Melbourne’s east say they’re disgusted by the welfare agency’s failure to provide toilets for its patrons, some of whom have disabilities.

Centrelink’s Maroondah branch has been slammed for failing to provide toilets for clients.

ANGRY Centrelink customers say they’re disgusted by the welfare agency’s failure to provide toilets for its patrons, some of whom have disabilities.

A woman who wishes to remain anonymous told Maroondah Leader she took her elderly disabled friend to Centrelink in Ringwood on Wednesday.

“My friend needed to use a disabled toilet and approached the security guard to ask where she could find one.

“He told her they didn’t have any toilet facilities available on site and said she needed to walk up the road to Eastland or use the Costco toilets nearby — which requires a membership card upon entry,” she said.

“My friend visits Centrelink fortnightly and experiences long wait times. Therefore, they need to assist elderly and disabled customers as a matter of urgency.”

Toilets at the Centrelink building in Ringwood have been closed indefinitely. Picture: Andy Brownbill

When Leader attended the site, there were large crowds of people waiting in queues.

Leader can confirm there are no toilet facilities at the Bond St centre after they were closed indefinitely, and spoke to patrons exiting the complex.

Jessica, from Kilsyth, who is eight months pregnant, said she was “mortified” that Centrelink failed to provide toilet facilities.

“I’m heavily pregnant and need to use the toilet as it’s a long wait. I hope they get their act together immediately,” she said.

John, from Mitcham, said he was really stressed that there were no toilets within the service centre.

“If you’re sick and need to use the bathroom urgently, it can be a real problem,” he said.

Crohn’s and Colitis Australia chief executive Francesca Manglaviti said it was a basic human right to have access to a toilet and preserve one’s dignity.

“As a community, we need to be especially sensitive towards the thousands of Australians living with bowel disease, who strive to live a normal life every day,” Ms Manglaviti said.

Department of Human Services general manager Hank Jongen said they apologise for the way this customer’s request was handled.

“We are aware the public bathrooms at our Ringwood Service Centre have been closed by another agency which manages these facilities,” Mr Jongen said.

“Anyone with special needs, or who is unwell, and needs to use the bathroom at Ringwood should be shown through to the staff bathrooms on-site as soon as they approach a staff member about their request,” he said.

“Anyone who attends a department service centre and needs to use the bathroom should speak with a staff member, who will direct them to facilities on site if available, or to the nearest available public toilet.”