George Christensen (Dawson, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, in writing, on 16 August 2011:

(1) Is he aware of the announced closure of the Post Office in Bucasia, Mackay, by Australia Post?

(2) Is he able to intervene to stop the closure of the Bucasia Post Office; if not, what measures can Australia Post implement to ensure that there is easy access to postal and other services currently provided to Bucasia residents, particularly elderly residents, by the existing Bucasia Post Office.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:

(1) Australia Post has advised that the Licensee at Bucasia is seeking to relocate the Licensed Post Office (LPO) to a new shopping centre in the neighbouring suburb of Eimeo in March 2012. Australia Post is supporting the relocation of the LPO for the following reasons:

(2) No. As a Government Business Enterprise, Australia Post is responsible for the day-to-day running of the organisation, which includes making decisions about the opening, closing and relocating of postal outlets. Australia Post has advised that it invited more than 350 local residents to a community meeting on 29 June 2011 to discuss the proposed relocation of the LPO and seek feedback. The 13 residents who attended the meeting were advised a large proportion of Bucasia residents already travel to other areas for work and shopping and, consequently, use the postal services in those areas. The street posting boxes will be retained in Bucasia so local residents can continue to post their mail. The proposed location for the LPO is easily accessible by bus and will have dedicated parking for LPO customers.