Federal Member for Gorton Brendan O’Connor has welcomed news that Centrelink at Watergardens will soon provide a dedicated service for seniors and carers.

"Three years ago, the Howard Government moved Centrelink seniors services from Watergardens out to Airport West," Mr O’Connor said.

"This was a decision that was made with little or no consultation with the local community and which made it much more difficult for local seniors to access important Centrelink services.

"Many older people don’t drive and getting public transport out to Airport West can be difficult."

Mr O’Connor publicly criticised the decision at the time it was made and raised the matter in the Federal Parliament with the then Minister for Human Services Joe Hockey.

"I am pleased that this decision is now able to be reversed and that Centrelink services for seniors will be much more accessible. The addition of dedicated services for carers at Watergardens is yet another improvement in Centrelink services that is this Government is able to provide. " Mr O’Connor said.

The special access arrangements commence on 4th August and mean that specialist staff, experienced in all the relevant services, will be available to assist seniors and carers locally.