Jason Wood (La Trobe, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As all colleagues would be aware, post offices are such a vital central point of all communities in Australia—a bit like the RSL. Community associations in the township of Officer have been fighting to regain theirs afters it was moved out of their local suburb. This is particularly important when you consider that Officer township is growing rapidly, with over 14 schools. Also, the local shire office is located there, it has a large shopping centre precinct coming, and an enormous increase in residential properties.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have been fighting for three main things: a post office to be reinstated at 420 Princes Highway, Officer; residents, business and schools having the option of driveway delivery, in line with other communities; and the establishment of at least an Australia Post sub-agency in the new main road in Officer. I give a special thanks to Rob Porter, president of the Officer Community Association, Carol Porter, committee member, Jenny Stirling, assistant secretary of the OCA, and all members of the Officer Community Association. I stand here today to support them in their fight to have vital post office delivery services reinstated under the criteria mentioned earlier. They would love to have a post office back in Officer.