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You’ll have an opportunity to provide feedback before final decisions are made on the reforms.
Review of service reasons
As part of Centrepay reform, we reviewed the existing 41 service reasons. We’re proposing to remove 8 because they either aren’t in line with the objective of Centrepay or have low usage.
The service reasons we’re proposing to remove are:
- motor vehicle registration
- employment expenses
- social and recreational commitments
- household goods lease and rental
- funeral expenses
- basic household items
- savings
- food provisions - parts of this will be phased out over time.
We’re proposing to remove the Food provision service reason. Customers and businesses using Centrepay to buy food in remote stores would be given longer to transition. To make sure ongoing access to Meals on Wheels providers is available, we propose that these businesses will remain available under an alternative service reason.
Changes to eligible service reasons
We’re proposing that the types of businesses eligible for Centrepay under some service reasons will be significantly reduced.
It’s proposed that the Travel and transport service reason be reduced to include only transport services such as bus or coach travel. Items like self-storage, fuel and vehicle repairs would no longer be included.
It’s also proposed that the Professional services service reason be reduced to only include Legal Aid and related services provided by law firms. This would exclude all other professional services from this category including accountants and financial planners.
Excluded expenses and payment arrangements
Some expenses for goods and services like tobacco, alcohol or life insurance are excluded from Centrepay.
We’re proposing that E-cigarette products, like vapes and vape accessories, and mobile phones be added to the excluded expenses list.
The remaining changes will update the excluded items list for consistency with the service reasons. This includes proposed changes to exclude all lease and rental payments for goods and allow Centrepay to be used for rental arrears and final utility bills even where the customer is no longer a customer.
Giving us feedback
We’re continuing to improve Centrepay and will have more details available in 2025. You will have an opportunity to provide feedback before final decisions are made on the reforms.
Centrepay reform feedback
If you have feedback about Centrepay service reasons reform, please email us at Centrepay.Reform.Feedback@servicesaustralia.gov.au.
If you’re a customer, don’t include any personal details like your Customer Reference Number or address.
If you’re a business and have more questions, call the Centrepay for businesses team.
General feedback
If you’re a customer, please contact us through Centrepay feedback and complaints.