Ms CLAYDON (Newcastle—Deputy Speaker) (16:38): I rise to relay the concerns of my community about the imminent closure of the Lambton post office. The Lambton community is calling on Australia Post to reverse its plans to close the Elder Street service on 1 May. I share the grave concerns of my constituents. Postal services are essential services, providing access to vital services and connecting communities across the country. The residents of Lambton know this, which is why they're fighting to keep this post office open.

My constituents are deeply distressed by this pending closure, including the brilliant Wallabies, preschool children who attend the Elder Street Early Childhood Centre just round the corner. Their educator, Bree Creighton, told me: 'The children are extremely saddened by the decision to close our Lambton post office.' The children regularly take excursions to learn about our postal services and the system provided. Loula, aged three, wrote with concern that her dear friend Violet won't be able to send letters to her grandmother, who lives in America. 'They can't close it,' she said. 'How will Violet send letters to Mami Letty anymore?'

I want to thank Violet and the almost 4,000 people who have signed this petition or have contacted me directly about the importance of keeping the Lambton post office open. I'll be making formal representations to the Minister for Communications and to Australia Post on keeping our community postal services open and running. I seek leave to table this community petition.