Fletcher to Australia Post: Stop Giving Turramurra Community the Brush-Off

“Australia Post must stop giving the community the brush-off over Turramurra Post Office – and instead start genuine consultation,” said Paul Fletcher MP, Member for Bradfield.

Turramurra residents were surprised to learn, just before Christmas, of Australia Post’s decision to close down Turramurra Post Office.  Australia Post failed to give adequate notice of its plans – and made little effort to consult with the community.

“I am very disappointed by Australia Post’s poor handling of this matter,” said Mr Fletcher.

“The timing of this decision – announced shortly before Christmas, with the closure to take effect on 28 January 2011 – appears calculated to minimise public awareness and scrutiny.

The key principle is this: Australia Post must make alternative arrangements to provide continuity of service.”

For people who today have a post office box in Turramurra, Australia Post proposes that they must now have those post office boxes relocated to Wahroonga.

For people who today pay their bills in Turramurra, Australia proposes that their two nearest alternatives will now be licensed post offices in North Turramurra and South Turramurra.

The most that Australia Post will offer is that a pharmacy in Turramurra will sell stamps and ‘pre-paid postal products.’

Australia Post’s new CEO, Mr Ahmed Fahour, formerly a senior executive of National Australia Bank, did not reply personally when Mr Fletcher wrote to highlight the community’s concerns.

A response from a subordinate states that under the Australian Postal Corporation Act 1989 the company must operate consistently with sound commercial practice - and Turramurra Post Office is unprofitable.

“Australia Post’s response is not good enough,” said Mr Fletcher.

 “I will be convening a community meeting in Turramurra, at 10 am on Wednesday 19 January, to discuss the impact of Australia Post’s decision on concerned residents of Turramurra. The meeting will be held at the Turramurra Community Hall (Seniors Centre), 1 Gilroy Road, Turramurra.

“I have written to Australia Post inviting them to send a senior representative to that meeting.

“Whether or not Australia Post accepts my invitation, the purpose of this meeting will be to identify the community’s minimum requirements for continuity of service.” 

Media Contact - Darren Bark 02 9465 3950