Interview with Ben Fordham on 2GB Breakfast

‍Subjects: Milsons Point Post Office

E&OE………



Ben Fordham

Well, this is good news. Following a local campaign and a bit of help from 2GB Breakfast, a much loved post office will remain open. The Milsons Point post office was due to shut up shop next month due to issues with a rental agreement. We spoke to Transport for New South Wales about this because they're the landlords, and it was looking like this post office was going to close the doors for good. We contacted Australia Post yesterday saying: come on, give us an update, we're hearing that you've had a change of heart and you're keeping it open. And we can confirm that news right now. Australia Post has confirmed an agreement has been reached with the landlords. The post office at Milsons Point will stay open. Venietta started the petition to save Milsons Point Post Office. She's on the line. Venietta, you must be very happy.

Venietta Slama-Powell

Good morning, Ben. The community is absolutely elated by the news that Australia Post will be keeping our post office open. This has been a huge campaign from the local community. We've been unrelentingly fighting for this outcome, and hundreds of people have contributed to this success.

Ben Fordham

Well, you started the petition. You deserve a lot of credit here, Venietta.

Venietta Slama-Powell

Thank you, but it's not just myself. There were hundreds of letters sent from the community to Australia Post, board members of Australia Post and Ministers, unanimous support from North Sydney Council, representation in Parliament by Zali Steggall, submissions to the Ombudsman and Human Rights Commission. But actually, I think what the pivotal turning was New South Wales Senator Andrew Bragg, who actually, after we met with him, met with the CEO of Australia Post, Paul Kelly [Graham], and they discussed the business model and costs and found a way to recover the cost elsewhere in the business model. So I really want to say a big thank you to Senator Bragg.

Ben Fordham

Well, you can do it right now. Senator Bragg is on the line. Andrew Bragg, good morning to you.

Senator Bragg

Good morning.

Ben Fordham

Congratulations. You've worked behind the scenes on this for some time.

Senator Bragg

Look, it's really a great community effort from Venietta, and I think it's fantastic that all the people that live in the Greenway Building and all the people around the Milsons Point area are now going to have access to those postal services going forward. And as Venietta has said, it's more than just a post office - it's an opportunity for them to talk to people and have an outing from a day that otherwise might be stuck inside.

Ben Fordham

How did you twist the arm of the Australia Post boss?

Senator Bragg

I'm not sure that's necessarily right. I think the Australia Post made their own judgments, and Paul Graham is a good guy. He's made the right call here. I think he recognised; and he visited the site himself and walked around and saw the topography there wasn't going to be suitable for people who are elderly and have disabilities in some cases. I think they have made the only decision they probably could make, but it wouldn't have happened without all the community groundswell. So I think well done to Venietta.

Ben Fordham

Yeah, further proof that you got to speak up in times like this. Thanks so much, Senator. We appreciate your time.

Senator Bragg

And thanks to you, Ben.

Ben Fordham

My pleasure, Senator Andrew Bragg. And thanks to Venietta as well. She started the petition, Save Milson's Point Post Office. And guess what? It's saved.

[Ends]

Media Contact | David Nouri | 0401 392 624

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