Wednesday, 18 June 2025

 Eden FOSTER (Mulgrave) (10:02): I rise today to voice my strong objection to Australia Post’s decision to close the Springvale post shop. The Springvale post shop first opened in 1864 and has been a significant part of the community, relocating multiple times before settling next to what is now known as post office lane. A post office holds an important place in the community. For businesses it provides vital functions such as parcel tracking and banking services. For individuals the post office provides a vital link to government services, identity verification and sending parcels to loved ones overseas. For the elderly, those with a disability or even those without a car, moving the post office will render these services highly inaccessible. For charities like the Springvale Benevolent Society, who have used the PO box in Springvale for over 60 years and serve our most vulnerable in the community, it will be devastating and time-consuming, having to travel further to collect their mail. With the nearest post shops being over 2 kilometres away, the lack of consideration for our beautiful community and the need to have an accessible post office location is appalling. This is why I have been busy alongside the federal member for Hotham making clear our strong objections to the removal of the Springvale post shop, and we will not stop advocating for our communities. Last Friday I, alongside several community leaders and residents, came together at the front of the post shop and protested the closure. Shame on Australia Post.