Australia Post belongs to all Australians and the postal service has been delivering for the community for more than 214 years. 

The Australian Postal Corporation Act 1989 (Act) outlines what is expected of Australia’s national postal service, including its Community Service Obligations. Regulations associated with the Act have shaped Australia Post today, but they were developed around a quarter century ago, before the internet or mobile phones were widely available, and don’t align with how Australians live and work today. 

Australia Post has a distinct two-speed business, with the Letters business weighing heavily on the eCommerce-driven parcels business and other services. The growth in the parcels business is now levelling off as competition across the eCommerce industry increases – and if not addressed, it will begin to materially impact Australia Post’s ability to service the community.

To continue to deliver for all Australians, Australia Post needs to modernise its business to ensure long-term sustainability – financially, socially and environmentally.

The Australian Government wants to hear from the community about what postal services matter to them. This is an important first-step and Australia Post is incredibly supportive of all Australians having an opportunity to have their say. 

Read the Government’s discussion paper and have your say

Did you know

  • Australia Post is completely self-funded and receives no Government assistance. 
  • Every year it costs Australia Post more to deliver less. In the 2008 financial year, Australian households were receiving nearly nine letters every week. Now, they’re receiving just over two a week.
  • Over the past three financial years , Australia Post has invested more than $1 billion to meet the changing needs of  customers and the community, and saved $750 million through business efficiencies. Despite this, losses in the Letters business continue to grow, rising 24 per cent to $255 million last financial year.
  • The number of Australians visiting a Post Office for retail transactions is rapidly declining as more people preference digital or cashless services. The retail footprint is one of the largest networks in Australia, spread across 4,310 locations, which in the last financial year cost $1.3 billion to operate.

Frequently asked questions