Services Australia customers in Benalla will soon receive localised support to help them access government services such as Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support.
Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen confirmed that an Agent service would start in Benalla on 1 July.
Local employment provider The Personnel Group will deliver the Agent service five days a week between the hours of 9:30am - 3:30pm.
'It's important the Benalla community is supported by a local service,' Mr Jongen said.
'This dedicated access to services will be provided by our new Agent service, The Personnel Group, at 85 Nunn Street.
'Benalla previously relied on staff visits from the nearby Wangaratta Service Centre.
'Residents will now have access to the Agent 30 hours a week, up from a maximum of 24 hours a week through the old visiting service, ensuring the community has more access to consistent and reliable services.
'Services Australia conducted an Expression of Interest process to identify the most appropriate host organisation to provide the Agent service.
'Agent service staff receive extensive training and ongoing support to help the community access digital self-service options.
'Customers will be able to visit the Agent and use self-service equipment, scan, print and upload documents and receive advice on how to register for and access digital services with confidence.
'The Agent service can also connect those local residents who have more complex enquiries directly to a Services Australia staff member using a dedicated phone line.
'To complement the introduction of the Agent service, Services Australia will host two digital learning events to support locals who want to engage with government services online. The first of these events will be held on Thursday 8 July. Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning (03) 5723 4279.
'Services Australia staff will make regular visits to the Agent to ensure the new service is meeting the needs of the local community. Benalla will also be a stopping location for our Mobile Service Centres.
'While people in Benalla and across the country are increasingly conducting their business with Services Australia online, the Agent service will provide a sustainable service offer in the Benalla region into the future.'
Services Australia has a network of some 350 agents across rural and regional Australia that help people access the services they need.
