every time I repeat this process, a cheery automated voice will ask me for my customer reference number before informing me that “we all deserve to be treated with courtesy and respect”

The irony that the author doesn't actually address here is the fact that this whole system is so clearly not treating the people it is supposed to serve with respect.

During a February Senate estimates hearing, Services Australia, which oversees Centrelink, revealed that between July 1, 2022, and January 31, 2023, two-thirds of calls to Centrelink went unanswered.

Two-thirds. Of every 10 people who need help, only three are actually being aided. That is an appalling failure.

[–] zurohki@aussie.zone 24 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Of every 10 people who need help, only three are actually being aided.

No, three are being answered. A percentage of those actually receive help.

[–] Zagorath@aussie.zone 12 points 2 years ago

😬

That's a good point.

[–] sqgl@beehaw.org 2 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

The irony that the author doesn't actually address here is the fact that this whole system is so clearly not treating the people it is supposed to serve with respect.

It is implicit in her closing paragraph. She is a skilled writer.