Media release, 20 April 1998
REGIONAL BANKING INQUIRY TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING IN LAUNCESTON
The Post Office Agents Association, Trust Bank and a number of business
and community groups will appear before the influential House of Representatives
Financial Institutions Committee at a public hearing in Launceston on
Thursday as part of its wide ranging inquiry into alternative banking
for regional Australia.
David Hawker MP, Chairman of the Committee, said " In Launceston we
are interested in canvassing a range of issues with industry groups, community
groups and financial institutions to ensure that Australians in regional
and remote Australia, and wherever else banks are closing down, have access
to those financial services which are essential features of modern living."
"The Committee is particularly interested in hearing from the Post Office
Agents Association which represents the owners and operators of Licensed
Post Offices. This will follow on from Australia Post's appearance before
the Committee in Melbourne yesterday."
"The Licensed Post Offices (LPOs) are in many ways on the front line
of this issue. There are about 2950 Licensed Post Offices in Australia
which form over 75% of Australia Post's retail network of Post Offices.
Three fifths are classified as rural. In many small towns the local post
office may be the only access point for a range of services including
financial services."
"We are interested in exploring ways to expand the role of Licensed
Post Offices. As only about 40% of rural Licensed Post Offices can provide
electronic banking services, one possibility is to allow all Licensed
Post Offices to connect to Australia Post's electronic network."
Mr Hawker added "The Committee has been very successful in raising the
profile of this important issue. This round of hearings will provide the
Committee with valuable insights and possible solutions. The more alternatives
the better, as this will provide people in rural and remote areas with
as much choice as possible."
Release ends //22 April 1998
Further information:
David Hawker MP (Chairman) 02 - 6277 4837
Janet Connaughton (Inquiry Secretary) 02 - 6277 2375
e-mail: EFPA.Reps@aph.gov.au
PUBLIC HEARINGS PROGRAM - LAUNCESTON
23 April 1998
Theatrette
Queen Victoria Museum and Arts Gallery
Wellington Street
LAUNCESTON
Thursday 23 April 1998
- 9.00am - 9.30am Tasmanian Independent Wholesalers
- 9.30am - 10.15am Hon Dick Adams, MP
- 10.30am - 11.15am Local Government Association of Tasmania
- 11.15am - 12.00pm Country Women's Association of Tasmania and Catholic
Women's League of Tasmania
- 1.30pm - 2.15pm Post Office Agents Association Ltd
- 2.15pm - 3.00pm Trust Bank
- 3.00pm - 3.30pm Tasmanian Council of Social Services
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