The Hon Linda Reynolds CSC
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Minister for Government Services
Mr George Christensen MP
Federal Member for Dawson
The Hon Michelle Landry MP
Federal Member for Capricornia
Assistant Minister for Children and Families
Assistant Minister for Northern Australia
MEDIA RELEASE
The Mobile Service Centre Blue Gum is travelling through the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday Region to provide support to rural and regional communities nearby.
Mobile Service Centres provide customers assistance with essential government services including Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support services.
Blue Gum is one of three trucks in the Mobile Service Centre fleet operated by Services Australia. Earlier this year, the fleet was diverted to provide assistance to people impacted by bushfires in Western Australia as well as severe storms and flooding across eastern Australia
Minister for Government Services Linda Reynolds said Mobile Service Centres demonstrate the Government’s commitment to ensuring all Australians get the support they need, no matter where they live, particularly following a natural disaster.
“It’s important that communities in rural and remote areas can access essential government services easily, so they can get on with their lives,” Minister Reynolds said.
“In total, Mobile Service Centres have travelled over 970,000 kilometres since 2006 and have assisted over 165,000 customers in more than 5,300 communities.
“Blue Gum will continue its travel through regional Queensland during the next few months to ensure people in these regions can continue to access the services they need in 2021.”
Member for Dawson George Christensen said the versatility of the Mobile Service Centres means they can quickly move to different regions and are often one of the first points of contacts for people following an emergency.
“The trucks have been involved in 28 emergency responses where crews have spent over 400 days in around 290 different communities,” Mr Christensen said
“Mobile Service Centre staff have assisted over 20,000 people affected by natural disasters.”
Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said anyone with Centrelink or Medicare questions should head down and talk to the staff aboard Blue Gum.
“Staff on board Blue Gum provide friendly face-to-face services, information and support tailored to customers in these rural and regional communities,” Ms Landry said.
“They’re able to help with Centrelink claims, Medicare registrations and a number of other essential government services.”
All of the services provided on Blue Gum are offered with strict COVID-19 safety precautions in place.
More detailed information about the Mobile Service Centres’ upcoming stopping locations will be made available here: servicesaustralia.gov.au/mobileoffice
