Federal Labor has launched a community petition in an effort to pressure the government into reversing its decision to relocate the Newcastle and Mayfield Centrelink offices into a consolidated space at Newcastle West.
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Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon and Shadow Minister for Families and Social Services Linda Burney launched the petition outside the King Street, Newcastle office on Tuesday.
"This plan will undoubtedly mean budget cuts, diminished services and reduced access for Novocastrians," Ms Claydon said.
"The government has demonstrated profound disrespect for the tens of thousands of people that will be impacted including pensioners, jobseekers, families, people with disability and carers.
The Department of Human Services will approach the market for a new leased premises next month.
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Minister Stuart Robert said five existing tenancies would be consolidated into a single building from 2022 at a location in Newcastle's central business district with close links to public transport.
"This consolidation will include face-to-face services currently delivered from the Newcastle and Mayfield services centres and staff undertaking non face-to-face functions in Newcastle," Mr Robert said.
But Ms Claydon said she was particularly concerned about how elderly Centrelink customers and those with mobility challenges would be impacted.
She added the Government had not undertaken consultation with staff or community members before the tender was published.
The petition can be found at www.sharonclaydon.com
Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
