The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts want to hear from interested parties about the draft Australian Postal Corporation (Performance Standards) Regulations 2019 (the draft Regulations). The draft Regulations will replace the current Regulations to give effect to a recent Australian Government decision to modernise Australia Post.
The Performance Standards Regulations are made under the Australian Postal Corporation Act 1989. The Performance Standards Regulations prescribe performance standards that Australia Post must meet regarding the:
- frequency, speed and accuracy of mail delivery, and
- availability and accessibility of post-boxes and other mail lodgement points, and retail outlets from which Australia Post products or services may be purchased.
On 6 December 2023, the Government announced reforms to enable Australia Post to boost productivity, increase its focus on parcels, and improve long-term financial sustainability.
The implementation of key elements of the reform package require that the Regulations be amended to:
- change the performance standards that Australia Post is required to meet regarding the frequency and speed of mail delivery,
- deregulate the Priority Mail service, and
- update the geographic classification used in the performance standards for retail outlets.
The draft Regulations were developed having regard to views expressed during previous consultation undertaken between 2 March and 27 April 2023.
Comments will help determine whether the draft Regulations are fit-for-purpose and support the Australian Government’s reforms to modernise Australia Post.
To have your say, visit Amending the Australian Postal Corporation (Performance Standards) Regulations 2019 | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
Comments must be received by 5pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time, Thursday, 29 February.