(1)   How many Australia Post boxes have been removed, relocated or installed in the postcode areas 3024, 3026, 3028, 3029, 3030, 3211, 3335, 3337, 3338, 3340 and 3427.

(2)   What criteria does Australia Post use to determine the (a) location and (b) removal of street posting boxes.

(3)   What plans does Australia Post have to install or remove street posting boxes in the postcode areas 3024, 3026, 3028, 3029, 3030, 3211, 3335, 3337, 3338, 3340 and 3427.

(1)   Australia Post has provided the following table which shows the number of street posting boxes that have been removed, relocated or installed in the eleven postcode areas in question during the last five years:

Postcode area	Removed	Relocated	Installed
3024
3026			1
3028
3029			1
3030		1	1
3211
3335
3337
3338
3340
3427
Total	-	1	3

(2)   Australia Post has advised that its Street Posting Box policy of 2004 sets out the criteria used to determine the siting, relocation and removal of street posting boxes and is published in full on its website www.auspost.com.au.

(a)   In so far as siting is concerned, Australia Post has advised that the policy states:         “In metropolitan areas of capital cities and provincial cities, a street posting box will be provided at or near all postal outlets (a possible exception being outlets inside shopping centres that are not accessible after hours). In addition, street posting boxes will be provided to ensure that residents have access to a lodgement point within 2 kilometres.         In providing street posting boxes, Australia Post will give preference to locating them at:

• Regional and strip shopping centres,
• Commercial estates,
• Well used railway stations and transport interchange points,
• Universities; and
• Areas such as CBDs where heavy postings can be anticipated.

In rural towns and communities, a street posting box will be provided at or near postal outlets.

Additional factors to be considered in site selection include:

• Safe access, including good street lighting for customers and Post, employees/contractors clearing street posting boxes,
• Traffic restrictions and local/State laws and/or regulations,
• Customer access to nearby posting facilities; and
• Community views/needs.

Consideration will be given to the provision of street posting boxes in special cases to cater for the needs of concentrations of the aged and disabled people, including hospitals.”

(b)   In so far as relocation and removal are concerned, Australia Post has advised that the policy states:

“From time to time consideration may need to be given to the relocation or removal of individual street posting boxes where, for example:

• Safety factors for either customers or staff have changed and the continued provision of the street posting box is considered dangerous (eg changed traffic conditions or changed traffic flows),
• The location of the street posting box is or has become contrary to Australian Road Rules,
• The average amount of mail posted per day is less than 25 items and an alternative street posting box is available,
• A postal outlet is relocated; or
• Ongoing vandalism is a problem.

Where a street posting box is considered for possible relocation or removal, a comprehensive consultation process will be undertaken to ensure community views or special needs are taken into account. Specifically,

• The local Federal Member and businesses likely to use the street posting box will be advised of the proposal and the rationale,
• Other users of the street posting box will be informed via:

- a sign on the street posting box for a minimum of 30 days, and

- a paid advertisement in the local newspaper.

• Any concerns will be discussed with respondents and the local Federal Member; and
• Once a decision has been made, the local Federal Member, businesses and respondents will be advised accordingly, including the reasons for the decision. Other users will be informed of the outcome by means of a paid advertisement in the local newspaper.

No relocation/removal action will commence until the consultative process is completed and the decision endorsed by senior management.

In exceptional circumstances, it may be necessary to expedite the relocation of a street posting box for emergency or safety reasons (eg changed traffic conditions). In such cases, local residents and businesses would be appropriately informed. A general notice would also be placed in the local newspaper.”

(3)   Australia Post has advised that it currently has plans to install one additional street posting box in postcode area 3029.