Thank you payments have begun rolling out to more than 33,000 Australia Post staff members are to receive ‘thank you payment’ for their efforts during COVID-19.
The payments, which have begun rolling out, are to go to posties, parcel delivery partners, parcel and mail processing staff, and call centre workers, with an average payment of $600.
Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Australia Post, Christine Holgate said it was incredibly important to thank those who continued to work so tirelessly in keeping the business running during the pandemic.
“Australia Post has not closed for a single day during COVID-19 and this has only been possible due to our hardworking posties, Post Office workers, parcel and mail processing staff, parcel delivery partners, call centre staff and our teams across the country,” Ms Holgate said.
“With Victoria now dealing with Stage Four restrictions, I’m so proud how our team has adapted so quickly to rise to the challenge and support each other so we can continue delivering across the country,” she said.
“Many of our people continue to serve customers and visit people’s doorstops during these uncertain times – recognising the need for critical services and supplies to continue to be delivered. Australia Post is really connecting the country during this pandemic.”
“I am so pleased to include our valued partners in this payment – our Post Office Licensees and our delivery drivers. It truly is a team effort.”
Ms Holgate said Australia Post had seen parcel volumes boom since the start of the pandemic, with some days up 90 per cent compared to last year.
“Across Australia, online shopping growth in June topped 72 per cent compared to the same time last year, while in Victoria’s lockdown in July eCommerce grew 118 per cent, with a third of Australia’s online purchases in July made in the southern state,” she said.
She said new partnerships with Woolworths and The Pharmacy Guild had also ensured continuity of supply for many essential items like groceries and prescription medicine, particularly for vulnerable community members.