Dear Mr Murphy

Petition—closure of Balwyn Post Office

Subsequent to my reply to the Petitions Committee on 24 August 2011, I have received updated advice from Australia Post concerning a petition submitted for the Committee's consideration regarding re-establishing post office services in Balwyn.

Under the Australian Postal Corporation Act 1989 Australia Post is responsible for the day-to-day running of the organisation, including all decisions relating to its operational network. As a Government Business Enterprise, Australia Post does not receive any funding from taxpayers and, as far as practicable, it is required to perform its functions in a manner consistent with sound commercial practice.

Australia Post previously advised that it was unable to support the request for an additional postal outlet at this stage and believed that the reasonable needs of the community were being met by the current mix of postal outlets.

Australia Post has now advised that it advertised a tender to operate a Licensed Post Office in Balwyn on 29 August 2011. Seven tenders were received and one was accepted. The tender process is now being finalised, with unsuccessful applicants being notified of the outcome.

Australia Post has also advised that it will release details of the new outlet on the completion of the process. I understand the new licensee will commence training in mid-October and is expected to start operating the outlet in December 2011.

I trust this information will be of assistance.

from the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Conroy