Tasmanians will face skyrocketing stamp prices and a postage service that takes up to a week to deliver a letter to its destination under newly revealed Federal Governemnt plans for Australia Post.

The Federal Communications Minister has quietly introduced the reforms which create a two-speed postal system, with a regular service operating slower than the current delivery speed and a premium, more expensive service.

Comunications, Plumbing and Electrical Union (CEPU) NSW Secretary Jim Metcher said the move will hit Tasmania hard, and called on local Federal MPs to act to protect local jobs and services.
“You’ll be able to walk a letter from Hobart to Launceston faster than you’ll be able to post it under these new regulations.

“The cost of posting a letter will also soar. We could see people forced to pay $1.50 or more simply to send a letter down the road.

“This is an unsustainable model that will see the eventual downfall of our national post service.

“Our elected representatives need to stand up for Tasmanians and tell the Federal Communications Minister that they won’t let a plan that will rob our region of jobs and services slip quietly through.”

A major report into Australia Post released today by the McKell Institute warns that the Government’s current approach is not the answer and recommends a raft of changes including a full review of Post’s Community Service Obligations.

“The Federal Government needs to carry out its own review of Australia Post, looking at viable, innovative options for expanding its service offerings, not simply jacking up prices, driving down the service, and slashing jobs.

“If we go down this path, it will only be a matter of time before local post offices in regional Tasmania are a thing of the past.

“Around 32,500 people are employed by Australia Post nationwide, and 58 per cent of them are in rural and remote areas. Those jobs will be on the chopping block unless the Federal Government admits this plan is flawed and develops a smarter, long-term solution that will protect our postal system and our local jobs,” Mr Metcher said.

The McKell Institute report on Australia Post is available at http://mckellinstitute.org.au.
Jemma Williams