House debates

Tuesday, 14 February 2023

Statements by Members

Reid Electorate: Australia Post

1:53 pm

Photo of Sally SitouSally Sitou (Reid, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Ecommerce has exploded in the last couple of years, with four out of five Australian households shopping online. This is true in the suburb of Wentworth Point in my electorate, one of the fastest-growing suburbs in Sydney, with a current population of about 12,000 and a projected population of 20,000 within the next decade. Unfortunately, the postal service there has not kept up with the demands of the community. Residents are faced with enormous queues and long trips to neighbouring post offices that are not easily accessible by public transport, as well as increasing incidence of parcel theft.

Hundreds of residents have contacted me about the challenges they face with their postal service. Here's an example of their feedback:

On Wednesday, I had to travel to three different locations to collect my parcels; a time consuming and frustrating process.

Last year I wrote to Australia Post advising them of these challenges and the need for a post office in the suburb. Their response? They believe Wentworth Point is being adequately serviced by post offices in other suburbs. I'm not satisfied with this response and will be pushing Australia Post to do better by their customers so that they get the service they deserve.