Centrelink services in post offices

POAAL supports the Federal Government's proposal for Australia Post to take over some front office operations of Centrelink.There would be significant benefits to Centrelink clients, especially to those living in rural and remote areas of Australia. Centrelink clients in rural and remote areas are currently disadvantaged by factors such as isolation, lack of transport, lack of online access, cost of technology, poor mobile coverage, disabilities, old age and infirmities, and the cost of travel to larger population centres.Australia has almost 2900 Licensed Post Offices (LPOs) which form around 75% of Australia Post’s network of Post Offices. LPOs are located in suburban, regional, country and isolated areas of Australia. Most of them have online technology. All deal with sensitive data every day, including the mail, banking, passport applications and document witnessing.Centrelink services would increase business levels at LPOs and help keep the Post Office in the community – a benefit to all parties.POAAL believes that a greater range of Government services should be provided through LPOs, making life easier and more accessible to all Australian residents, not just those living in areas of high population density.POAAL fully supports retaining ownership of Australia Post in Government hands to ensure that all Australians continue to receive a good postal service. Privatisation or deregulation would damage the service received by Australian residents in all parts of the country, and in particular country and rural areas.