Sendle challenges Australia Post on PO Boxes
Postal start-up company Sendle has argued that other companies besides Australia Post should be allowed to deliver to PO Boxes. Sendle has sent a written submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and it has also launched an online petition through the change.org website.
Sendle starts its petition – which it launched three weeks ago – by saying: “Tens of thousands of ordinary Australians and small businesses pay Australia Post handsomely to rent PO Boxes so they can receive their parcels and mail in a secure location.
“In many cases, particularly for those people living in rural Australia, it’s their only option. But what most people don’t realise when they sign up for their PO Boxes is that only Australia Post, and their subsidiary StarTrack, are allowed to deliver to them. What is shocking, is that Australia Post do not mention this limitation in the PO Box terms and conditions.”
The petition adds: “We strongly believe that by not allowing other postal companies to deliver to Post Office boxes, Australia Post is abusing its monopoly, reducing competition and hurting consumers.”
Sendle’s online petition has so far attracted 6,833 signatures.
In an article published today (9 November), Australian media outlet Financial Review said it had received an Australia Post statement on the subject, which said: “PO Boxes are part of the Australia Post delivery network. Australia Post delivers some other carriers’ articles to PO Boxes under commercial agreements. Australia Post is happy to talk to Sendle about forming a commercial arrangement to provide the same services.”
