Protecting our regional Service Tasmania Shops

The Petition of the undersigned residents of Tasmania draws to the attention of the House:

The Tasmanian Government's decision to reduce opening hours at Service Tasmania shops in Queenstown, Whitemark, Currie, Campbell Town and Oatlands.

Service Tasmania provides essential face-to-face access to government services, particularly for older Tasmanians, people without reliable internet access, people requiring assistance and those completing transactions that cannot be undertaken online.

These reductions will make it harder for people in regional and island communities to access essential services and continue the erosion of face-to-face government services outside Tasmania's major cities.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House call on the Government to:

1. Reverse the planned reductions to opening hours at the five affected Service Tasmania shops;

2. Maintain reliable, properly staffed, face-to-face Service Tasmania services in regional and island communities; and

3. Recognise and protect the vital role Service Tasmania shops also play as Services Australia agents, providing regional and island communities with local access to essential Australian Government services.