A former police commissioner will review security measures at Centrelink Service Centres following a stabbing incident.

Former Victorian Police Chief Commissioner, Graham Ashton, has been appointed to conduct a comprehensive review of security arrangements at Centrelink service centres in the wake of a recent stabbing incident at the agency’s Airport West facility. 

The review aims to assess the adequacy of physical security measures, evaluate the need for improvements to managed service programs, and determine whether state criminal laws provide sufficient protection to staff working at these centres.

The Minister for Government Services, Bill Shorten, says the government is committed to addressing the issue and ensuring the safety of public servants employed by Services Australia. 

Minister Shorten visited the Airport West service centre personally to meet with traumatised co-workers and provide reassurance.

“It's a very sad and terrible day for Services Australia, our Commonwealth public service, and people who work for the government at all levels,” he said. 

“Public servants do an important and difficult job for people in their local community, many of whom are stressed or vulnerable and have complex problems. But that is no excuse. Customer aggression and antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated, ever. No one who works for our public service on the front line should ever be concerned for their personal safety. They all have a right to go home safely.”

Shorten says Ashton's review will prioritise the enhancement of security measures where necessary. 

“The terms of reference will examine what we can do to better prevent and deter future incidents,” he said.

During parliamentary discussions, Manager of Opposition Business, Paul Fletcher, echoed the government's concern and expressed sympathy for the victim and their colleagues. 

“We absolutely endorse the statement that no public servant should face the danger of violence in doing the essential work they are doing to serve our community,” he said.