A Shorten Labor Government will create 50 new permanent, full-time Department of Human Services jobs in Paterson to benefit Maitland, Port Stephens and Kurri Kurri areas.

 “This commitment is an example of how a Federal Labor Government will bring jobs to regional areas like the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens where both the jobs and the services are needed,” said Ed Husic, Shadow Minister for Human Services.

Mr Husic heard from the Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson, about how locals had experienced delays, had their records lost and errors made when attempting to seek assistance from Centrelink.

He said the announcement was about the delivery of permanent employment and about providing better services for Paterson’s 21,000 aged pensioners, 12,000 Family Tax Benefit recipients and students and apprentices receiving Youth Allowance.

“The Morrison Government has made cuts to the Department of Human Services and Centrelink that have left Paterson residents waiting longer to receive support,” Mr Husic said.

“Medicare and Centrelink services help people when they need it most – medical rebates for the sick, processing aged care pensions, child care support, disability support pensions and carers’ allowance payments,” he said. “The truth is Centrelink is in crisis under the Morrison Government. It is under-staffed and under-resourced.”

Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson, said the 50 jobs will improve access to Centrelink and reduce waiting and processing time for the community.

“Every week my office fields dozens of calls for assistance with Centrelink. People are spending hours, if not days, on the phones trying to get answers. These roles will be permanent and full time, and staff will be properly trained to assist our community to receive the support they need.”