Centrelink issues 2.8m busy messages to callers in only two months as wait times blow out

Crossbench MPs raise alarm with minister as Services Australia data shows only 23% of calls were answered in July and August

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Centrelink issued 2.8m busy messages to callers in only two months, amid a significant blowout to wait times that has prompted members of the federal crossbench to raise the alarm with the Albanese government.

Despite trends showing the agency is generally fielding fewer calls, data tabled by Services Australia in Senate estimates on Wednesday revealed over July and August only 23% of calls to Centrelink were answered, compared with 35% over the 2022-23 financial year.

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