The Albanese Government is continuing to deliver on its commitment to help Australia Post modernise and meet changing needs of consumers and small businesses, with a new Statement of Expectations to take effect from 1 July 2024.
The Statement outlines Shareholder Ministers’ expectations in relation to maintaining essential postal services, continuing to operate as a sustainable and commercial business, and implementing postal services modernisation reforms.
The Statement also sets out a range of important expectations for Australia Post as it continues to modernise, including:
- maintaining letter delivery to PO Boxes every business day in areas where this currently operates;
- avoiding planned Post Office closures in communities where the Post Office is the only remaining provider of face-to-face postal and financial services;
- maintaining the current price of concession stamps (at 60 cents) and Seasonal Greetings’ card stamps (at 65 cents) until 30 June 2026;
- supporting the Australian Electoral Commission during election periods; and
- continuing to maintain a priority mail service on a commercial basis.
The new Statement of Expectations follows the Government’s December 2023 announcement of a package of reforms to modernise postal services to support Australia Post’s financial sustainability, and allowing it to invest in products and services for the future, and boost the productivity of its workforce.
The modernisation reforms were informed by close collaboration between Australia Post, its workforce and the Communications Workers Union on co-sponsored delivery trials.
The successful trials decreased the frequency of letter delivery and expanded delivery points by more than 10% per round. This enabled postal workers to carry up to 20% more parcels, achieving real productivity improvements, and demonstrating it is possible to modernise postal services while supporting secure, well-paying jobs.
Australia Post connects millions of consumers and businesses. It is a key enabler of e-commerce and brings Australia together, particularly in regional and rural communities.
Australia Post is expected to consider the Statement in preparing its 2024-25 Corporate Plan and Statement of Corporate Intent.
