The Northern Territory opposition attorney-general has written to the federal government after community members "raised serious concerns" about the operation of the Centrelink office in Mparntwe/Alice Springs.

In a letter to Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, Labor MLA Chansey Paech argued conditions inside and outside the facility were inadequate and dangerous for many vulnerable people relying on the service.

He said pensioners, people living with disabilities, as well as those experiencing financial hardship, were being forced to wait outside in the heat.

Mr Paech — whose electorate of Gwoja is more than 75 per cent Indigenous — said that despite the often extreme temperatures in the town, he had personally witnessed people being forced to wait outside the Centrelink office for extended periods, "without access to basic amenities such as drinking water or adequate shade".

"Many of those accessing Centrelink services are among the most vulnerable in our community," he said in the letter.

"Requiring individuals to wait in such conditions is not only inappropriate, but raises serious concerns about health, safety and dignity."

Mr Paech said immediate improvements to Centrelink facilities in Mparntwe/Alice Springs — where almost 25 per cent of the population is Indigenous — should be urgently considered.

Those include shaded waiting areas, access to drinking water, and increased staffing and appointment systems — particularly during periods of high demand — to reduce wait times.

"Access to government services should not come at the cost of people's wellbeing," Mr Paech wrote.

"I would welcome any advice on what steps can be taken to address these concerns and ensure that Territorians are treated with the respect and care they deserve when accessing Commonwealth services."

In response, a Services Australia spokesperson told National Indigenous Times that in response to a "serious incident of aggression," the Alice Springs service centre was recently placed on "managed entry to control the flow of customers into the service centre," to ensure the safety of customers and staff.

The usage of managed entry "only occurs when safety concerns are raised," the spokesperson said, and aligns with recommendations made in a review undertaken by former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, Graham Ashton.

"In situations where managed entry is used, security guards and the service centre leadership team closely monitor the situation and customers waiting,' they said. "This includes prioritising people who might need to sit down or be served as a priority, provided safety can be maintained."

It is understood regular entry was restored on Wednesday.