People are encouraged to use online and self-service options during the planned industrial action by the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU).

Department of Human Services general manager Hank Jonge has moved to reassure people that ongoing customer payments will not be affected by the industrial action.

“It is possible however that there will be a reduced number of staff in our service centres and on the phones.”

He recommends that people access self-service options available through myGov and the Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support mobile apps.

“We will also have arrangements in place to make sure that staff will still be available to help those in financial hardship and who need immediate assistance.”

The Department of Human Services and the CPSU are currently bargaining before the Fair Work Commission.

Mr Jonge says the department has committed to maintaining virtually all existing staff entitlements, including all its family friendly entitlements so is: “disappointed that the CPSU is undertaking industrial action while we continue to bargain”.

“The industrial action will not change the department’s position in terms of negotiations for a new enterprise agreement,” he added.

Information on digital self-service options is available at humanservices.gov.au/selfservice