Senator Sarah Henderson delivers blow to Australia Post

Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson has written to the consumer watchdog, Rod Sims, accusing Australia Post of misleading and deceptive conduct.

Liberal senator Sarah Henderson. Picture: Gary Ramage

Liberal senator Sarah Henderson has written to the consumer watchdog, Rod Sims, accusing Australia Post of misleading and deceptive conduct over its decision to renege on a commitment to open a new post office at a shopping centre on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula.

Senator Henderson claimed she and a local couple, who were hoping to expand their business and open a new post office shopfront, were told by Australia Post general managers John Cox and David McNamara in July that Kingston Village Shopping Centre had been selected as the new store’s location.

It came four years after she launched a campaign calling for Australia Post to expand its services in the community and after she threw her support behind Cameron and Heather Waring’s bid to open a shopfront at Kingston Village.

However, she had since learned that Australia Post awarded the tender to different business owners who will now open a second store at the Marketplace Shopping Centre.

Senator Henderson said the decision flew in the face of the conversation she had with the Warings, Mr Cox and Mr McNamara in July and constituted misleading or deceptive conduct.

She has since raised the issue with Australia Post acting managing director Rodney Boys, who said Mr Cox and Mr McNamara could not recall confirming Kingston Village as the new post office’s location.

“This is not good enough. Australia Post must act with integrity at all times,” Senator Henderson said.