Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher

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
• 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.

For more information on the Statement of Expectations, visit: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/post/australia-post

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“Australia Post is a trusted institution that connects millions of Australians.

“The revised Statement of Expectations issued today sets clear guidance from Shareholder Ministers to Australia Post in relation to its modernisation agenda and the delivery of essential services.

“Importantly, we recognise the vital role that Australia Post plays in communities, particularly those without face-to-face postal and financial services.

“The Government’s expectation is that Australia Post will continue to provide these services in areas where the closure of the Post Office would leave a community without the services they need.

“We are committed to supporting Australia Post to modernise postal services and maintain sustainable operations, including through implementing initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the Government’s commitment to Net Zero emissions by 2050.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance, Senator The Hon Katy Gallagher MP

“The Statement of Expectations supports financial stability within Australia Post and investment in its networks and services to support improved national productivity and meet changing business and consumer expectations.

“As one of Australia’s most trusted national institutions, Australia Post provides a range of other non-postal services to communities, including financial, identity and government services. The Australian Government is committed to improving Australia Post’s financial sustainability to meet the needs of all communities.”