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Minister for Government Services the Hon. Bill Shorten MP today turned the first sod for the new Services Australia Sorell Service Centre in Tasmania.

Services Australia will also pioneer a co-location approach with Services Tasmania, so citizens don’t have to navigate different levels of government in different locations for all their needs.

Safeguarding access to face-to-face government services for all Australians was one of the Albanese’s Government’s key election commitments in 2022.

The new service centre, co-located with Service Tasmania, will offer a full face-to-face Services Australia service, meaning Sorell residents will no longer need to travel to Rosny to access a full suite of Services Australia services.

Currently, Services Australia offers a digital service in Sorell, staffed by one service delivery officer, while the agency’s Mobile Services Centre visits regional and rural communities in Tasmania around once a year.

Tasmanian company The Young Group will build the new Sorell Service Centre, with construction expected to support around 27 jobs.

Construction is expected to start in the coming days, with the service centre scheduled to open in late 2024.

The new Sorell Service Centre is being built on 33 Dubs and Co Drive, Sorell.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services the Hon. Bill Shorten MP

“Today is testimony that the Albanese Government is fully committed to making government services as universally accessible as possible for Australians.”

“We know how important face-to-face government services are, so it’s great to see the new Sorell Service Centre is a step closer to opening its doors.”

“We want to connect Services Australia customers to more services in the one location, and we are working in partnerships across state and federal governments to do that.”

“Our vision is to make it simple and easy for customers by unifying information and services in the one place. One way we’re doing this is through service delivery partnerships like the Services Australia and Service Tasmania co-location in Sorell.”

“We are also progressing myGov to be an app that hosts federal and state services, such as drivers’ licences. Sorell will be the bricks and mortar equivalent – a one-stop-shop for your dealings with two levels of government.”

“The new Sorell service centre adds to over 100 co-location arrangements we have across Australia including with many key Commonwealth partners and also not-for-profit organisations.”

“The service centre design will prioritise staff and customer safety as a part of our recent Budget commitment – because everyone deserves to be safe when delivering or accessing government services.”

“The new Sorell Service Centre won’t just benefit the community when it opens – it will also support around 27 local jobs during construction.”

Quotes attributable to Mr Brian Mitchell MP

“Sorell is one of Tasmania’s fastest growing communities, which means it’s crucial that it’s connected to easily accessible face-to-face government services.”

“Building this service centre means Sorell residents won’t need to travel to Rosny to access face to face Medicare and Centrelink services, which will make a huge difference for locals.”

“It forms part of the Australian Government’s commitment to making in-person government services available across the country, especially in regional and rural areas and fulfills the promise that Bill and I made at the 2022 election.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing more progress on Sorell’s new service centre in the coming months.”

Sorell Service Centre fast facts

• Sod turned on new Sorell Service Centre, with construction to commence in the coming days.
• Centre will provide locals with face-to-face support for Medicare, Centrelink and Service Tasmania services.
• Once open, Sorell and Tasman Peninsula residents will no longer need to travel to Rosny to access in-person government services.
• Tasmanian company The Young Group will build the centre.
• Construction is expected to support around 27 jobs.