The Albanese Government has today launched a discussion paper and consultation process to modernise postal services and support the long-term financial sustainability of Australia Post.
Australia Post is a key enabler of the Australian economy - particularly in rural, regional and remote communities where post offices bring locals and businesses together. For the last 214 years, Australia Post has played an important role in the lives of Australians and its extended workforce of more than 60,000 people and 4,300 post offices continue to deliver letters, parcels and essential services to communities and businesses throughout Australia.
However, the growing digitisation of the way Australians live, communicate, shop and engage in commerce means it is critical the national postal service keeps pace with shifting demands.
The average household now receives approximately one third of the number of letters each week than in 2007-08 when addressed letter volumes peaked - down from 8.5 letters per week to 2.4.
At the same time, consumer and business demand for parcel delivery services is growing and nearly 1 in 5 retail sales are now completed online, with Australia Post delivering more than 500 million parcels in 2021-22 right across the nation.
The Australian Government is committed to supporting Australia Post adapt to changing consumer trends, as this cherished national institution provides essential services and stable employment for tens of thousands of Australians.
Modernising postal services will boost Australia's productivity, support businesses and keep Australians connected. It will also support Australia Post to remain financially sustainable so that it can invest in services to benefit consumers and support businesses and provide secure good paying jobs for our posties.
Benefits of modernisation could be realised by increasing flexibility and delivery reliability for parcel delivery, making it more convenient and accessible for consumers and small businesses, investing in better technology to deliver better customer experience and eCommerce services, and continued support for regional and remote communities.
The Australian Government is committed to listening to the needs of Australians - especially in rural and regional Australia and small businesses - so that Australia Post remains a critical part of our national infrastructure. Modernisation measures will be informed by the consultation process which includes the discussion paper released today.
The discussion paper outlines the postal services available in Australia and identifies how the use of letter, parcel and Post Office services have changed over time. It asks those making a submission to consider what postal services are most important to them and their community now and into the future. The Government is encouraging submissions from across Australia, including from individuals, charities, communities, businesses, Post Office licensees and agents, and the Australia Post workforce.
Submissions are open for eight weeks and close on 27 April 2023.
To have your say or to find our more, visit Have Your Say URL: www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/postal-services-modernisation
Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher:
"Australia Post has been a constant driver of economic activity for businesses and consumers across Australia.
The Government is committed to ensuring that Australia Post continues to modernise to ensure that it is financially sustainable and continues to provide employment opportunities and deliver essential services to all Australians, particularly in regional, rural and remote Australia."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
"Australia Post is a cherished national publicly-owned institution that provides invaluable services to Australian consumers and businesses.
"The Albanese Government is committed to helping our national postal service adapt to changes in technology and commerce, and consumer expectations.
"The consultation announced today will ensure Australia Post maintains the long-term financial stability it needs to continue supporting small businesses and providing essential community services - particularly in our rural, regional and remote communities.
"I encourage all Australians to have their say, especially small businesses. Your opinion will help us as we consider options to shape postal services, and sustain Australia Post now and into the future."
