Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann

The Government has released its Statement of Expectations for Australia Post on the Corporation’s public commitments relating to postal reform. 

In 2015, the Government announced regulatory reforms to address Australia Post’s losses arising from the substantial decline in letter volumes, to ensure Australians continue to have access to a high quality postal service. 

These reforms enabled the introduction of a two-speed letter service (regular and priority) and amended the oversight arrangements on stamp pricing. 

During the reform process, Australia Post made a number of public commitments, in particular: 

• to maintain the price of its concession stamp at 60 cents and Christmas stamp at 65 cents;
• that there would be no involuntary redundancies for the life of the reform for award level employees impacted by the reforms who are actively seeking employment within Australia Post; and
• to continue to engage constructively on reform matters through its Industry Consultative Forum and more broadly, with the community and key stakeholders. 

Consumer safeguards are a key priority, and the Statement sets out the Government’s expectations in a transparent and public manner, while respecting the Corporation’s independence. 

The Government expects Australia Post to continue to comply with these commitments and report to Shareholder Ministers on the implementation of the postal reforms, the financial impact on Australia Post, and feedback from industry groups and the community. 

The Statement will be updated in consultation with Australia Post to reflect any future government decisions, significant market developments and other key changes in the postal sector. 

The statement is available at www.communications.gov.au/what-we-do/post/australia-post.