Kim Wilkie (Swan, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Human Services. I refer the minister to a constituent of mine, Ms Brenda Hendricks of Carlisle, who has an incurable brain tumour. She was denied access to the disability support pension by Centrelink and was then advised to apply for the Newstart allowance. Is the minister aware that, despite Ms Hendricks informing Centrelink that she would be unable to attend an in-person eligibility assessment because she was recovering from brain surgery and had medical records to prove this, Centrelink required that Ms Hendricks attend their office for an in-person assessment? Is the minister aware that Centrelink then sent threatening letters to Ms Hendricks, even though she had supplied them with the required medical evidence to prevent her benefits from being cancelled? Will the minister investigate these matters and ensure that Centrelink treats all Australians suffering such severe medical conditions with respect and sensitivity?

Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Whenever any member of parliament has an issue like this, if they forward the information to me—

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! The minister has the call.

Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am happy to investigate the matter in detail.

Ms Catherine King (Ballarat, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Treasury) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It shouldn’t have happened in the first place.

Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is easy for the opposition to try and shoot bullets on these sorts of issues. These are very serious issues dealing with people’s lives. If you contact me, ring me, provide me with the information, I am happy to look into the individual cases.