Today, tens of thousands of pensioners and welfare recipients are being stung by high call costs to Centrelink, prompting the National Welfare Rights Network to call for a 1800 free-call facility for more people.

Centrelink’s two main lines, the self-service line and the ­reporting line, only offer a ‘13’ ­option. General inquiry lines for information about payments and services that are most frequently used do not provide a no-cost 1800 option.

These include lines for older Australians, those with a disabil­ity or sickness, carers, employment services, families and parents, and youth and students.

With most people on Centrelink living well below the poverty line, the government must take steps to ease the cost of living pressures on Centrelink recipients.

The Australian Unemployment Union joins in the demand of the Welfare Rights Network in demanding that the Social Services Minister create 1800 free-call numbers for all Centrelink inquiries and reporting.

As it stands now, if a Centrelink recipient contacts Centrelink from their mobile phone they can be charged $1.39 for a three minute call. With waiting times often in excess of 40 minutes, this means Centrelink recipients will have to pay more than $30 to call Centrelink. This is unacceptable.