Centrelink waiting times tackled

NEW measures, including more staff on the phones and better technology, are hoped to tackle increased demand for Centrelink services for Gympie region residents.

Increased demand for assistance from Centrelink has led to longer waiting times.

Human Services Minister Kim Carr said increased demand came as a result of changes in economic conditions, changes to the social security system and the growing complexity of calls.

"I have asked the department to redeploy staff to call centre activities to meet increased waiting times, and deal with peak demand," Senator Carr said.

"To deal with peak time this year Centrelink put on an additional 720 positions since March. I have now asked them to go further to address the unprecedented demand for assistance."