We need a Centrelink Royal Commission

The Australian government established Centrelink with the primary purpose of providing aid to individuals who are in need of it.

Unfortunately, Australian residents don’t believe the agency has performed effectively, which is why a Royal Commission is needed to intervene and restore order.

But why is a Royal Commission necessary, and what will its objectives be?

Centrelink has received criticism for providing subpar customer service. As a result, individuals now frequently encounter agents who lack empathy and must endure lengthy wait times.

Customers become irritated when they are not handled well or with respect when they are already in a tough circumstance, especially for the elderly. Therefore, a Royal Commision is required to ensure that agents are properly trained and up to job standards.

The multiple blunders that Centrelink committ are just another justification for the creation of a Royal Commision. When a computation or data entry error occurs, incorrect entries are produced up until the point of recovery.

One cannot determine whether Centrelink staff’s subpar training or purposefully incorrect computations are to blame. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a Royal Commision to look into it and, hopefully, stop the errors.

Regarding complexity, Centrelink has also failed on its end. Many people who require financial assistance are unable to receive it due to the drawn-out process involved in submitting a successful application.

The procedure makes it nearly impossible for those without internet access, senior citizens, and people with impairments to receive aid.

This problem can be rectified with a Royal Commision in place, and steps should be taken to ensure that there is a streamlined platform that everyone can easily navigate through.

In order to investigate the difficulties persons with Centrelink encounter, a Royal Commission must be established, just as it was with Robodebt, but on a broader scale.

The Commission will be in a position to provide a long-term solution to the difficulties faced by those attempting to get financial aid by carefully examining the procedure, system, and employees.

It appears that now would be a good moment to create a Commission that would work in everyone’s best interests.

Craig Hill is a Brisbane-based Social Justice Campaigner, Writer, Teacher and Business Consultant. He has campaigned for social justice in Australia, promoted human rights in China and worked with the homeless in Honolulu. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Business, a Graduate Certificate in Education and a degree in Management. He is also the General Manager of The Australian Business and Leadership School.

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