Australians all over the nation are being called on to help modernise the country’s postal system to ensure Australia Post is delivering the services people want.
Opening the consultation program, the federal Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland said the national Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts had launched a discussion paper on modernising the postal services and supporting the long-term financial sustainability of Australia Post.
“For the last 214 years, Australia Post has played an important role in the lives of Australians and its extended workforce of more than 60,000 people and 4,300 post offices continue to deliver letters, parcels and essential services to communities and businesses throughout Australia,” Ms Rowland said.
“However, the growing digitisation of the way Australians live, communicate, shop and engage in commerce means it is critical the national postal service keeps pace with shifting demands,” she said.
“The average household now receives approximately one third of the number of letters each week than in 2007-08 when addressed letter volumes peaked – down from 8.5 letters per week to 2.4.”
“At the same time, consumer and business demand for parcel delivery services is growing and nearly one in five retail sales are now completed online, with Australia Post delivering more than 500 million parcels in 2021–22 right across the nation.”
Ms Rowland said benefits of modernisation could be realised by increasing flexibility and delivery reliability for parcel delivery; making services more convenient and accessible; better technology to improve customer experience and eCommerce services; and continued support for regional and remote communities.
She said the Department’s discussion paper, open for comment until 27 April, outlined the postal services currently available and identified how the use of letter, parcel and Post Office services had changed over time.
“It asks those making a submission to consider what postal services are most important to them and their community now and into the future,” the Minister said.
“Government is encouraging submissions from across Australia, including from individuals, charities, communities, businesses, Post Office licensees and agents, and the Australia Post workforce.”
The Department’s 34-page Postal Services Modernisation discussion paper can be accessed at this PS News link.
