Parkes Labor candidate Jack Ayoub said a Shorten Labor government would boost rural services with two additional Mobile Service Centres, doubling the current capacity.

“This will mean real boots-on-the-ground when locals need it most,” he said.

“The drought in New South Wales and Queensland has been severe and harsh, the toll on farmers and their families heavy.

“Farmers don’t have time to deal with complicated bureaucratic processes when they’re concentrating on getting through the drought.

“So Labor wants to ensure that assistance is getting to farmers as quickly as possible with support on hand from Centrelink officers when they need it.”

Under Labor’s plan Community Response Officers will be specially trained in establishing local outreach services when and where families face stress or crisis.

“In practical terms, this will stop people falling through the cracks with quicker access to income support, and better links to financial counselling, and mental health services,” Mr Ayoub said.

“The current drought has exposed the consequences of the Liberals’ cuts to Centrelink, with up to 15,000 – or two thirds – of eligible farmers missing out on the Farm Household Allowance.

“When not leading outreach services, the additional staff will be part of Centrelink’s broader workforce across the country.”

However, Parkes MP Mark Coulton said the Rural Financial Counselling Service has been boosted by the Federal Government in recent times.

“It’s clear that through this service farmers are accessing the support that is available,” he said.

“It is important that farmers do not self assess, rather they need to contact the Rural Financial Counselling Service for advice. 

“The government will continue to ensure the RFCS is equipped to best service the needs of farmers, and support farmers when they need it most. As the drought continues to bite we will be increasing the support as required.”

But Mr Ayoub said the government should reverse its cuts to Centrelink and invest in better face-to-face front-line services for rural communities.

“What good is there in offering support if it can’t be easily accessed?”, he said.

“What better way to ensure ease of access than with a face to face interaction between farmers and Centerlink community officers. Labor can make this commitment because we will invest in Centrelink’s workforce with 1,200 permanent, full-time, properly trained staff.”