Calls from Australia Post to ACCC and stamp collectors

AUSTRALIA Post is appealing for a 10-cent increase in the Basic Postage Rate (BPR), a move that would mark the first increase in four years and help keep Post Offices trading.

The request has been lodged with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), with the postal service seeking to apply the increase from January 2020.

Initial estimates predict the proposed increase would cost the average household less than $1.50 annually.

Australia Post chief executive officer Christine Holgate said the 60-cent price of concession stamps (which are currently available to pensioners and veterans) would not be affected by the increase.

She also said the cost of the 65-cent seasonal greeting card stamps would remain unchanged.

“In the last financial year, we delivered a profit in-line with that three years earlier. We did this with 820 million less letters delivered to over 700,000 more homes,” Ms Holgate said.

“Our posties deliver to more than 12.1 million addresses across the country. It doesn’t matter if they have one letter or 100 for the address, they still need to drive past the letterbox each day.

“Last year our letters business lost $190 million – this is after the benefit of significant efficiency savings. It is important that we responsibly address pricing if we are to protect this important service and keep our network of community post offices open.”

Australia Post is also encouraging primary school students and stamp collectors to get behind this year’s Stamp Collecting Month.

This year’s theme, “In the Garden”, includes five stamps which feature native trees, shrubs and groundcover plants in a suburban garden setting.

Stamp Collecting Month ambassador Stephanie Alexander AO said the theme was a catalyst for younger Australians to educate themselves on sustainable gardening.

“It’s vital that we educate that next generation on practical ways to support their own health and that of the environment and doing so through fun and engaging programs like Stamp Collecting Month brings it to life for them,” Ms Alexander said.

The stamps were designed by award-winning illustrator Andrew Hopgood.

They are available in participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794, and online at auspost.com.au/stamps while stocks last. Online education resources can be found at auspost.com.au/scm.