Centrelink customers to mind their own business
Victoria media release
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
If you've visited Bendigo Centrelink Customer Service Centre recently, chances are you've noticed staff are looking a little green.
Centrelink staff dressed in green promotional T-Shirts have been busy outlining the benefits of conducting Centrelink business online and over the phone, as well as registering customers for self-service.
Everyone that visits Bendigo Centrelink over the next few weeks will be approached about self-service, and staff will be available to help customers through the registration process.
"What we are really trying to achieve is to sign up as many people as possible for the service," said Bendigo Counter Liaison Officer, Anne Harris.
She states that self-service provides customers the opportunity to conduct simple Centrelink business without speaking directly to a Customer Service Adviser.
"The initiative not only promotes flexibility for our customers, but also gives them a sense of autonomy when dealing with Centrelink.
"Many of our customers have been pleased that they can make updates by themselves and are surprised by the number of things they can do," Anne said.
"Centrelink self-service allows people to update their personal details, check their next payment, or report employment earnings online or over the phone.
"The computers can also be used to search Government, community, banking, educational and job search websites."
Recognising that not all customers have access to a computer, Bendigo Customer Service Centre boasts 6 new personal computers dedicated to their self-service customers.
"It's important that customers feel comfortable using self-service and that's why we are committed to not only registering customers for self-service, but helping our customers work their way through the options available to them.
"A mother even hugged one of our staff members because she was so grateful for the help her family received when learning about self-service!"
Customers are encouraged to visit Bendigo in April to find out more about self-service.
For further information about Centrelink online services, view Online services.
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink media contact.