Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has today tabled a petition in the Australian Parliament calling on Australia Post to reverse its decision to close the Shortland Post Office.

The petition, signed by more than 2,000 local residents, reflects deep community concern about the loss of a long-standing service that has operated in Shortland for decades.

The closure would force locals to travel to other suburbs, including Callaghan where parking is limited and access is difficult, as well as Wallsend and Jesmond, where staff are run off their feet with lines out the door.

This outlet is unfortunately the latest to land on Australia Post’s chopping block, following the closures of Lambton, Glendale, and Elermore Vale post offices.

The petition urges Australia Post to maintain a physical post office in Shortland to ensure fair and reliable access for residents and businesses.

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“Australia Post should be strengthening community access to services, not taking it away.”

“Shortland residents deserve fair and reliable access to in person postal and banking services, not another closure forced on them without proper consultation.

“The response from the community has been overwhelming. People value their local post office, and they’re standing up to defend it.”