From Monday 28 September 2020, Medicare services and digital Centrelink services provided at the Smithfield Service Centre will relocate to the Cairns Mulgrave Road Service Centre in Earlville, offering people a full range of
face-to-face Centrelink and Medicare services in the one convenient location.
Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen said the move reflects changes in the way people access government services.
'More than a decade ago, we began making changes to our shopfronts and online services to better align with our customers' preferences,' Mr Jongen said.
'Accessing services from the one location means people can spend less time getting their government business done.
'This is coupled with continuing improvements in our online options to make it easier for people to manage their Centrelink and Medicare needs.'
Overall, there have been fewer people attending the Smithfield Service Centre over recent years, with more choosing to conduct their business online using myGov and the Centrelink and Medicare apps.
'While we know lots of people prefer to do their Medicare and Centrelink business online at a time and place that suits them, a full range of face-to-face services will be available from the Cairns Mulgrave Road Service Centre in Earlville for those who need them,' Mr Jongen said.
'Supported digital services are also on offer, to assist those wanting to get online.'
The Cairns Mulgrave Road Service Centre in Earlville (480 Mulgrave Road) is open Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Parking is available and there is a wide range of local bus options servicing the Earlville area. The Smithfield Service Centre will continue to service the community until close of business Friday, 25 September 2020.
