The Latest Breaking News from Services Australia

‘Less than optimal’: Centrelink call wait times blow out amid staff shortages

Labor government blames Coalition for cutting the agency’s workforce by around 13% from 2016 levels

The Guardian - AU · Feb 15, 2023

Centrelink faces staff shortage as wait times increase

Officials have told a parliamentary hearing economic conditions has led to a surge in demand for Centrelink, while the service is short by more than 500 staff.

AAP · Feb 15, 2023

Public service grads pass on their top tips

'Just jump in,' former grads urge their new colleagues.

The Canberra Times · Jan 29, 2023

Will AI decide if you get your next job? Without legal regulation, you may never even know

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other automated decision-making tools in recruitment is on the rise among Australian organisations. However, research shows these tools may be unreliable and discriminatory, and in some cases rely on discredited science.

The Conversation · Dec 12, 2022

Robodebt royal commission told Human Services staffers attempted to influence ombudsman report into troubled scheme

A bureaucrat who helped manage the Robodebt "crisis" in 2017 tells a royal commission it is "normal practice" for public servants to provide wording to independent statutory bodies investigating government programs.

ABC News · Dec 5, 2022

Services Australia digital experience 'likely to get worse' with contractor cuts: Fletcher

At least 400 contractors were told their employment was ending on December 2.

The Canberra Times · Dec 5, 2022

‘You are being misled’: the Centrelink worker who tried to stop robodebt as it started

Exclusive: As the disastrous program gathered pace, Colleen Taylor reached out to her boss with strong concerns, only to be dismissed as overly sympathetic to welfare recipients

The Guardian - AU · Dec 2, 2022

Bill Shorten reveals review into Stuart Robert ‘lobbying scandal’ claims

The former Coalition minister denies he influenced government contracts, declaring in parliament he had ‘zero involvement’

The Guardian - AU · Dec 1, 2022

Integrity bill passes lower house as new accusations emerge

The government is a step closer to achieving a signature campaign pledge after the bill for its integrity body passed the lower house.

The New Daily · Nov 24, 2022

Services Australia forced to review hiring process after 11 promotions overturned

The agency said it has "refocused" its processes after the promotions watchdog's slap on the wrist.

The Canberra Times · Nov 3, 2022