The Hon Michelle Rowland MP
Have your say on a modern Australia Post
Australian consumers and small businesses are encouraged to have their say on the Albanese Government’s plan to modernise Australia Post, with draft regulations released for comment today.
These important reforms announced last year will enable Australia Post to boost productivity, increase its focus on parcels, and improve long-term sustainability.
Almost one in five retail sales are now completed online, with parcel volumes around 70 per cent higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Letter volumes have reduced by two thirds since their peak in 2008.
The consultation will seek views on draft amendments to the Australian Postal Corporation (Performance Standards) Regulations 2019. Under the proposal:
- the frequency of regular letter delivery will be reduced from every business day to every second business day, to support the daily delivery of parcels;
- delivery timeframes for regular letters will be relaxed by one day;
- Australia Post will be able to change the way it manages priority mail, so it can deliver services at a more commercial rate, and work with customers to set appropriate terms and conditions; and
- the geographical classification of Australia Post retail outlets will be updated to reflect the modern Australian Statistical Standards Geography Standard Remoteness Areas, rather than the outdated 1991 Census currently used.
Changes to retail classifications will not change the services provided at those outlets, or the prescribed minimum numbers of post offices that Australia Post must retain – including in regional Australia.
The Government’s modernisation plan was informed by a public discussion paper launched in March last year, and delivery trial developed by Australia Post in collaboration with its workforce and the Communications Workers Union.
The trials decreased the frequency of letter delivery, and in the initial trials have expanded delivery points by more than 10% per round, and enabled postal workers to carry up to 20% more parcels, achieving real productivity improvements, and demonstrating it is possible to modernise while supporting secure, well-paying jobs.
Feedback from stakeholders is essential to ensure the amended regulations can effectively deliver these important reforms to modernise Australia Post.
The changes are expected to be fully implemented in 2025, following a staged rollout across Australia.
Public consultation ends on 29 February. To access the draft regulations and have your say, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
“Australia Post is owned by all Australians, and ensuring postal services meet their needs now and into the future is critical.
"These important reforms will help improve the sustainability of Australia Post, and allow it to respond changing consumer demands. Our modernisation plan will allow Australia Post to invest in its booming parcels business and support secure postal worker jobs.
“Our Government has been highly collaborative with consumers, small businesses, workers and licensees at every step along this modernisation process. I encourage Australians to have their say to ensure these draft regulations deliver the services Australians need."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Finance, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher:
“The Government is committed to Australia Post’s financial sustainability while ensuring that postal services continue to meet the consumer and business needs.”
“Public feedback on the draft amendment regulations is essential to achieving these objectives and ensures that Australia Post continues to serve all Australians, now and into the future.”