|
The
Hon. John Moore, MP
Minister for Defence |
| Thursday, 30 March 2000 |
MIN
064/00 |
New Era in Service Delivery for Defence Personnel
The Minister for Defence, John Moore, today announced that a $30 million Defence
Service Centre will be established in Cooma, New South Wales.
The Service Centre will be a telephone call centre offering a 'one-stop-shop'
for Defence personnel who need assistance with employment issues such as entitlements,
pay and leave. It also will provide detailed advice on more complex matters
including personnel policy and procedures.
"The new Defence Service Centre will be a state-of-the-art call centre," Mr
Moore said. "Highly skilled staff will deliver quality administrative services
for all Defence personnel.
"I am particularly pleased with the Centre's role in assisting Defence families
who are posted around Australia. These families will find that the Centre provides
an easy to use service which helps take care of relocation and housing arrangements."
The Defence Service Centre will be operating by late 2000 and when fully established
by mid-2001, it will employ up to 150 staff in Cooma who will be supported by
processing staff and case managers located around Australia.
"The decision to locate the call centre in Cooma is recognition of Cooma-Monaro
Council's efforts to take advantage of the Federal Government's infrastructure
support for regional Australia," Mr Moore said.
It is estimated that this modern, streamlined operation will save at least $40
million a year against the cost of the existing system.
"It is important that the people who operate this facility understand and appreciate
the needs of its customers, particularly the men and women of the ADF who are
at the 'sharp end' of Defence.
"The establishment of the Defence Service Centre is a key milestone in the Federal
Government's program of improving the administration of Australia's Defence
Organisation," said Mr Moore.
More information is available from Kevin Isaacs on 02 6266 9075 and 0416 266148.
Chris Wordsworth
-- Media Adviser -- 02 6277 7800 0419 982 482
Fax: 02 627 34118
Email: word@defence.gov.au
Web: http://www.defence.gov.au/
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