BY PAT WILLIAMS

MELBOURNE — On September 23, the office of federal Labor MP for Melbourne Lindsay Tanner called a demonstration outside the Centrelink office in Johnston Street, Fitzroy, in response to the announcement by the federal government that it planned to merge the Centrelink offices of Fitzroy and Richmond.

Tanner contacted local welfare groups, activists and clients of Centrelink to attend the protest on September 24. Organisers were pleased with the turnout of between 50 and 70 protestors, considering the short notice.

Speakers at the protest included Tanner and workers from local welfare support and disability groups. They explained that closing the two offices in Johnston Street, Fitzroy and Bridge Road, Richmond and moving them to Victoria Gardens on the Richmond and Hawthorn border, will add nearly an hour in travelling time for some, and create difficulties for those who are dependent on public transport. The increased workload at the single office could double the time spent queuing for a basic enquiry.

Anyone affected by and/or wishing to protest the closure of the Fitzroy office is encouraged to contact Tanner’s office at 102 Victoria Street, Carlton, in order to pick up a petition or to find out what else you can do to help.

From Green Left Weekly, October 1, 2003.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

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