Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Furner for his question. This is one that rightly every senator and every member is entitled to ask. As we are obviously strongly focused on the issues of people waiting to get service it is a matter of considerable concern to this government. At the moment the Department of Human Services is taking 150,000 phone calls a day—this is Centrelink alone—and is making some 38 million phone calls in the space of a year.

Senator Joyce interjecting—

Senator Conroy interjecting—

So demand is extremely high and it is growing and, as a consequence, Senator Joyce, waiting times are in fact rising.

Senator Joyce interjecting—

Senator Conroy interjecting—