PVCA URGES AUSPOST SURVEY RESPONSE AS GOVT TO REVIEW MAIL FUTURE

PVCA is calling on the industry to fill out it what it says is the most important survey it has ever created, on Australia Post, to enable it to provide data driven input into the mailing giant’s future plans, by the government's 27 April submission deadline.

The employers’ association has set up a Mail Industry Coalition from all interested print and mailing houses, to provide a united face to AusPost, and is meeting weekly with AusPost in the lead up to the 27 April deadline for submissions on its future.

The Mail Industry Coalition is now sending out the survey to the industry to gain insight into Australia Post consultation, regulatory amendment, opportunities to reduce operational costs, industry size, and more. The aim is to fill a metrics gap for government to gain insights into the industry to ensure a best-fit approach to developing modernisation solutions. Click here to go to the survey.

Kellie Northwood, CEO at PVCA said, “The Postal Services Modernisation - Australia Post Survey is not the first survey we have issued across the letterbox sector, however this process and engagement with government does feel more important than any submission before. I do urge all of industry to take the 10 minutes to respond and assist the PVCA in our discussions with government. Industry data provides far more compelling arguments than anecdotal, so please review.”

The relationship between AusPost and the print and mail industry has been somewhat strained in recent years, particularly as AusPost focused on its booming parcels business, however under the new communications minister Michelle Rowland an era of détente has begun. The CEO of AusPost Paul Graham quesitoned the future viability of mail in his comments following the release of its disastrous half year figures, which showed its letters business was losing $1m a day, every day.

“The Mail Industry Coalition has communicated to the highest levels of Australia Post that the industry has two priorities – Business Mail Pricing Stability and Business Mail Service Stability. How we can work with Australia Post, and all other stakeholders across the industry sector, to achieve this together is key to the success of the Mail Industry Coalition. From Mail-houses to trade unions, retailers to publishers, printers to distributors we are working with all parties to build a unified approach and truly make this process deliver meaningful outcomes,” said Northwood.

In response to the government’s request for submission across the modernisation of the postal service PVCA formed the Mail Industry Coalition earlier this month, with a delegation of industry stakeholders building a concise and solution led submission for government consideration.

Northwood said, “The Mail Industry Coalition includes the eminent leaders across the industry, bringing multiple years of experience, operational expertise and a commitment to a sustainable Business Mail channel to the table. It is an impressive collection of minds, ideas and opportunities which we are keen to bring to the minister for inclusion in a modern and successful future for the letterbox.”

The Mail Industry Coalition is focusing on operational efficiency gains, process improvement engineering and data innovation to reduce Australia Post costs to stabilise Business Mail pricing and service stability.

The Postal Service Modernisation closes on 27 April. PVCA has offered access to all of industry, with prioritised content to members across the process, and urges industry to be part of the future solutions available to industry. The survey can be responded to online: PVCA Postal Service Modernisation – Australia Post Survey.