Labor promises not to sell-off Australia Post
Labor today promised that Australia Post would remain in full public ownership, while guaranteeing the price of a 50 cent stamp would not rise in its first term of office.
Opposition communications spokesman Lindsay Tanner said Labor would retain Australia Post’s Community Service Obligations in full to ensure that all customers continued to receive a standard letter service at the same price.
“A Labor government will retain Australia Post in full public ownership so it can continue to deliver decent postal services to all Australians,” he said.
Labor’s policy document flagged the appointment of a postal industry ombudsman to help resolve disputes between postal operators and customers.
“The Howard government promised this important reform in its 2001 election policy statement but after three years it has not delivered on this simple promise,” Mr Tanner said.
“Worse still, in a discussion paper on this issue the Howard government floated the idea of industry self-regulation rather than an ombudsman.”
Mr Tanner said a Labor government would ensure the required number of post office boxes stayed at 10,000, while the requirement for at least 4,000 postal outlets would also be maintained.
“Labor guarantees that Australia Post’s existing performance standards will remain in place and, if necessary, be improved,” he said.
Delivery arrangements would be reviewed in regional areas, nursing homes and retirement villages to ensure customers received adequate services, he said.
AAP db/sb/pw/jlw
