Zali Steggall (Warringah, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak on behalf of the Milsons Point, Kirribilli and Lavender Bay communities, who are shocked and deeply disappointed by the decision to close the Milsons Point post office. This closure will have serious welfare impacts, particularly for elderly and disabled residents in the Greenway, James Milson Village and Port Jackson Tower housing complexes.

The closure was not part of Australia Post's modernisation program. It was triggered by Transport for New South Wales's refusal to extend the lease. Instead they increased the rent to levels that were simply uneconomic for Australia Post. Transport for New South Wales did not permit community consultation or take into account the impact on community needs. I've met with Australia Post to discuss our community's concerns and will be writing to the New South Wales government to ensure there's greater accountability from them.

We need to find a way to balance the need for Australia Post to maintain economically viable outlets and the access to essential services for communities, and that should be provided by national institutions like Australia Post. I commend the Kirribilli, Milsons Point and Lavender Bay precincts for their joint advocacy efforts to fight the closure or to find acceptable solutions. I want to thank Australia Post for their engagement with me on this issue, and I look forward to continuing to engage on the issue. It is important for the community to access essential services, so a solution and a compromise needs to be found.