By Casey Neill
The Immigration and Border Protection office in Dandenong could be closing its doors.
On Friday 7 April, Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams and Bruce MP Julian Hill revealed that they’d received several phone calls informing them that the Foster Street office would be closing.
“It’s beyond belief that the Immigration Department wouldn’t maintain a regional presence in Melbourne’s second city and such a multicultural area,” Mr Hill said.
“It will force people to go to the CBD and does nothing for the government’s promise of jobs in the suburbs.
“We will fight this.”
A Department of Immigration and Border Protection spokesperson said the Dandenong office lease would expire in October.
“Consultation around the future of the office is being undertaken with the affected 15 staff members, their representatives and key stakeholders,” they said.
The spokesperson said that whatever the outcome, affected staff would have the opportunity to stay with the department.
“The department is always looking for ways to deliver services more efficiently and equitably to all of our client groups,” they said.
“In recent years, we have moved many of our services on-line.
“We also provide a telephone enquiry service for clients.”
