The head of Services Australia has called out suggestions that violence towards staff is justified, after a frontline worker was allegedly attacked.
"There is no excuse for violence and aggression to Services Australia staff," chief executive officer Rebecca Skinner said.
"Not now, not ever."
A Centrelink employee was allegedly stabbed by a customer at the Airport West service centre in Melbourne last week.
Ms Skinner told a Senate estimates committee the employee was in recovery and the organisation was providing support to all staff.
"I have felt dismayed and angered by some commentary suggesting this violent action against our staff member was justified," she said.
"I'm deeply saddened that after the events of last week some of our staff now feel fear instead of pride when wearing the blue Services Australia uniform."
The incident sparked a security risk management review of all service centres to ensure staff are safe at work.
Ms Skinner said the frontline "blue shirt brigade" were far from faceless bureaucrats and supported communities across Australia by delivering services and payments people relied on.
"We don't always get everything right.
"Our service system does sometimes falter and there are occasions where our customers feel let down or left behind.
"However I can assure you our staff remain committed to doing their best."
Staff would continue to serve customers in a helpful and respectful way.
Ms Skinner said they deserved the same courtesy in return.