Australia Post is to be allowed to cut corners in order to provide important services during the COVID-19 crisis.
Minister for Finance, Mathias Cormann said performance standards for the service were to be adjusted to reflect the operating constraints and limitations that were resulting from the pandemic.
“These adjustments provide Australia Post with flexibility to meet increased demand for online ordering and delivery as people practise social distancing,” Senator Cormann said.
“Like many industries, postal operators around the world are being significantly impacted by COVID-19, with acute downturns in letter volumes and international business.”
He said that under the adjustments, Australia Post would be able to redeploy its workforce to critical areas experiencing a surge in volume, such as parcels and essential services.
“This will support customers and the viability of the business during this challenging time so it can continue to serve all Australians,” Senator Cormann said.
Minister for Communications, Paul Fletcher said demand for e-commerce had skyrocketed as people stayed home.
“We know letters remain important for many in the community, so Australia Post will continue to deliver letters according to a revised set of service standards, which reflect the current demand levels,” Mr Fletcher said.
Under the temporary changes, Australia Post will no longer provide its priority letters service, the Minister said.
He said it would maintain its regular and express post services but its required delivery time for regular intrastate letters would be extended to five days after the day of posting, and it will be permitted to adjust its delivery frequency in metropolitan areas.
Mr Fletcher said the changes would apply until 30 June 2021, subject to review.
