Postal issues continue to be a headache for publishers the world over and price based reform is currently under review by operators in the UK, US and Australia.
In October representatives from the Periodical Publishers Association’s (PPA) postal committee urged the UK’s national postal operator, Royal Mail, to find an acceptable way forward on the size-based pricing issue which continues to threaten the country’s magazine industry.
The Australian public may soon have a ombudsman to hear complaints about the $8 billion postal industry.
The position is likely to be modelled on that of the successful telecommunications ombudsman.
It would have wide powers to investigate complaints and order compensation for poor service by Australia Post and private delivery companies.
The ombudsman would cover all providers of postal and similar services, including Australia Post, courier companies, direct mail houses, document exchange operators and related businesses, according to a Federal Government discussion paper released yesterday.
Read MoreAustralia Post Annual Report 2001-02
Read MoreThe price of the basic postage stamp will rise by five cents to 50 cents next January – the first increase in 11 years.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) today cleared the way for the increase, saying that ordinary small letters are priced below cost.
Australia Post national spokesman Gary Highland said the price rise would happen from January 13, 2003. The price increase would also affect large letters, greeting cards and prepaid envelopes.
Read MoreFresh from a record profit result, Australia Post has signalled it has at least $200 million to spend on expanding its business beyond the traditional snail mail.
Australia Post managing director Graeme John said the group was subject to confidentiality agreements, and refused to be drawn on whether Mayne Group’s Loomis operations were in its sights.
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