Regional post offices must be at the centre of Labor’s new House of Representatives inquiry into Australia Post, Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey MP says.
Mr Chaffey said the new inquiry was in addition to the Senate inquiry the Coalition had demanded into Australia Post’s retail network after serious questions emerged about the public corporation’s plan for Licensed Post Offices (LPOs).
Shadow Minister for Regional Communications Dr Anne Webster MP has said the new Labor-controlled House of Representatives inquiry must put the future of staffed post offices in regional Australia front and centre.
“Post offices play a critical role in regional areas such as the electorate of Parkes,” Mr Chaffey said.
“They are not only the place to post a letter or a parcel, but they are where people do their banking, pay their bills, access government services and stay connected with the outside world. Their importance goes beyond the simple commercial transaction of mail.
“I have heard from the licensees of post offices across the electorate who are concerned about the long-term viability of regional and remote post offices.
“It is very important that rural and regional post offices remain. There are 2,700 licensed post offices throughout the country. The Nationals have fought for a guarantee that at least 2,500 will remain.
“Yes, Australia Post’s future needs a full and frank review, but regional and remote services must remain. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives inquiries must keep this in mind.
“I look forward to a strong future for regional and remote post offices and their licensees, and for all the regional people who use them. Regional Australians have been let down for so long by the closure of essential services, and have been neglected by this Labor Government. It is time for them to have some certainty.”
ENDS
Media contact: Marie Low | 0491 940 108 | marie.low@aph.gov.au