Anxious Tasmanians continue to line up at Centrelink as MyGov website crashes again

Long lines of anxious Tasmanians in search of income relief are snaking around Centrelink offices across the state for a second day, despite repeated requests for people to apply online instead.

A DELUGE of anxious Tasmanians are continuing to flock to Centrelink offices across the state in search of income relief.

About 40 people were again queuing up outside the Hobart office on Barrack St at 8.15am on Tuesday, mirroring devastating scenes witnessed nationwide on Monday.

It comes as the MyGov website has crashed again under the increased strain caused by coronavirus lockdown measures.

People outside the Hobart Centrelink office on Tuesday morning. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Despite Federal Government promises to strengthen the website on Monday and allow more users to access it at once, Services Australia reported widespread connection problems by 10am AEDT.

“We’re experiencing intermittent issues online,” the department posted on social media. “We’re working hard to expand the capacity of our online services.”

Even though they were unable to register for a Centrelink reference number online or Newstart Allowance online, Service Australia advised jobseekers to refrain from queuing outside government offices “unless there is a critical need to be there” and to “keep trying” to access the service online.

Government Services Minister Stuart Robert at a press conference at Parliament House. Picture: AAP IMAGE/MICK TSIKAS

Government Services Minister Stuart Robert, who was forced into an embarrassing backflip over claims the MyGov website was subject to a “cyber attack” on Monday, said another spike in users was behind its latest problems.

“(Services Australia) have massively surged capacity into MyGov overnight,” he said.

“There are right now 123,000 concurrent users.”

Centrelink will boost its workforce by 5000 people to deal with the influx of applicants and extend call centre hours.

But there will be fewer staff at the officers because of social distancing requirements.

The forced closure of pubs, clubs, restaurants, cinemas and other non-essential services to control the spread of COVID-19 means thousands of Tasmanians will be without work.

The Federal Group, the largest private sector employer in Tasmania, on Monday revealed 1500 of its 1930 Tasmanian employees are expected to be stood down because of the shutdown.

“These restrictions mean that we have been forced to close and there will be no work for any of them,” corporate affairs executive general manager Daniel Hanna said.

“We have no options available and we are therefore proposing to stand down most of our permanent employees and there will be no shifts available for casuals.”

The closure of non-essential services means thousands of Tasmanians will be without work. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Labor is demanding the Government to set up a single phone number so people can get answers from Centrelink. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Labor is demanding a dedicated Centrelink hotline be established to help people navigate the welfare system.

Labor social services spokeswoman Linda Burney urged the government to set up a single phone number so people can get answers from Centrelink.

“They are scared, they are confused and they are stressed because of drastic changes to their financial situation,” she told ABC radio.

“What they want is care, what they want is answers, what they want is urgency.

“Get the payments out, cut the red tape and worry about the paperwork later. People need help now.”

Australians are being urged to stick together as they face what will be the most challenging year of their lives.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison in the House of Representatives at Parliament House on March 23, 2020 in Canberra. Picture: SAM MOOY/GETTY IMAGES

In an address to a socially distanced House of Representatives in Canberra on Monday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison insisted the virus was a huge challenge, the biggest most living Australians had ever faced, but said they would get through it.

“In the weeks ahead, this will put us all to the test,” Mr Morrison said.

“Life is changing in Australia for every Australian and life is going to continue to change.

“Meeting this challenge is bigger than any Australian.

“I will say this: while you may not be able to go to church, the synagogue, the temple or the mosque, I most certainly call on all people of faith in our nation to pray.

”I can assure you, my prayer knees are getting a good work out.”

Mr Morrison said Australia was facing immense economic strain as it worked to flatten the curve.

“Across Australia today many thousands of Australians will lose their jobs,” he said.

”They are lining up at Centrelink offices as we speak – something unimaginable at this scale only weeks ago.

“They have lost their jobs, many, and we know, many more will.”

Mr Morrison said this was the biggest economic shock our nation has faced “in generations”.

“Australia, long an open, trading nation, is now closed off largely from the world,” he said.

“Internal border restrictions not seen since before federation are now in place.”

Introducing the coronavirus stimulus package Bill, Treasurer Josh

Frydenberg described Australia’s decision as battling an “enemy without a flag”.