THE State Government has been urged to clarify the fate of the Maydena Online Access Centre following speculation about its future.
Opposition education spokeswoman Michelle O’Byrne says the Maydena community had been told its local online centre could be closed within the next two months. She said this was contrary to an apparent commitment to fund the state’s Online Access Centres at least until the end of 2016.
“For some people Online Access Centres are their only means of accessing the internet to pay bills, access services and communicate with friends and family,” Ms O’Byrne said. “At one of the busiest times of the year for people the government is clearly hoping that no one will notice its attempt to shut down the Maydena online access centre,” she said.
Ms O’Byrne said Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff needed to step in and ensure the future of all Online Access Centres.
A spokeswoman for Linc Tasmania said an alternative service model was being explored for the Maydena centre, including the option of having it managed by the Maydena Community Association.
