Celebrating 150 years of the Universal Postal Union

Hi, I’m Michelle Rowland, Australia’s Communications Minister. It is wonderful to say a few words to help celebrate this special World Post Day.

This year marks 150 years of the Universal Postal Union. Australia has been a proud member since 1907. 

Much has changed over this time, notably the way in which we communicate and connect with each other.

From the horse-drawn postal delivery services of the past with letters that took months to ship over to Australia. 

To today’s three-wheel Australia Post electric vehicles delivering our insatiable appetite for e-commerce and online shopping to our door. 

We have seen a steady decline in letters - juxtaposed with a rise in parcel deliveries.

Australia Post delivered more than 2.5 billion items around our vast nation last year alone. 

What hasn’t changed over the past 150 years is the impact the postal service has on all our lives. Here in Australia, and around the world.

We all enjoy receiving something personal by post - a letter from a pen pal, a postcard or a birthday card from our family and friends.

It brings us joy, smiles and a connection with those we cherish.

As well as the personal touch, the postal sector also delivers for our communities – supporting jobs and small business.

It offers vital community services, especially in rural and regional Australia.

It is often not just the post office - it may be the only banking service in town, the newsagent and the retailer.

The Australian Government is modernising Australia Post to ensure it remains viable, adaptive and agile to change.

I am thrilled that Australia Post has been recognised as a postal sector world leader for 2024. The UPU gave Australia Post a score of 10 - the highest achievable level of global postal excellence. 

Congratulations to Australia Post.

I would also like to acknowledge the accomplishments of the UPU.

The Universal Service Obligation – for example – ensures mail is exchanged safely, securely and efficiently across 192 member countries.

This World Post Day marks 150 years of the UPU enabling communication and empowering people across nations.

It is an opportunity to celebrate and share a joint commitment to continue this important mission for decades and centuries to come.