New Area Manager for Centrelink in the ACT

New South Wales Media Release
Friday, 25 August 2006

Looking after the interests of more than 400 000 people and a yearly budget of nearly $3.1 billion is no small task, but Centrelink’s newest senior manager for the Australian Capital Territory and southern New South Wales is looking forward to the challenge of providing government assistance to Centrelink customers.

Centrelink Area South West Manager, Peter Gillies has taken charge of the services Centrelink delivers in an area that stretches from Albury and the Riverina to the Central West and north to Bourke. It also covers the south coast of NSW from Batemans Bay to Bega as well as Queanbeyan and the ACT.

Having progressed from the filing room to the executive level of the organisation, Peter brings with him more than 33 years experience in public service. Now, he’s looking forward to the challenge of improving services to people in the region.

“As a team, we’ll be building on a number of key service delivery areas, such as assisting people move into work and away from welfare dependency,” he said.

“The south-west region as a whole has one of the highest rates of customer participation and connections to the Job Network and I would like to see this positive trend extend to our long term unemployed, mature age, parents and disability customers.

“I believe many people who are capable of working actually do want to work and contribute to their local communities,” Peter said. “Having a job can make such a difference to someone’s life, and my role is about making sure people get all the help they need from Centrelink.”

Incorporating 27 Centrelink Customer Service Centres, including seven in the ACT, Peter said the south-west region has a diverse range of Centrelink outlets in regional, rural and metropolitan areas.

“Centrelink has just refurbished its Tuggeranong office in the ACT, making it one of just five prototype sites across the country. More offices in the region, including Belconnen and Queanbeyan will also get a makeover, to ensure our customers have access to the most modern and efficient services possible,” Peter said.

For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.