It is the threat of privatising postal services rather than a small increase in stamp prices that should have Australians worried, the postal workers’ union said today.
Australia would still have one of the best value mail services in the world, even if Australia Post increases the price of stamps from 60c to 70c, said CEPU Postal and Telecommunications NSW Secretary Jim Metcher.
“Whether sixty cents or seventy cents, Australians still enjoy some of the lowest stamp prices in the OECD for a very high quality postal service,” he said.
“Ultimately, the biggest threat to Australia Post is being ripped apart and sold off bit by bit – an outcome currently under consideration by the Abbott Government’s Commission of Audit.
“A privatised postal service would see prices jacked up, services reduced and thousands of jobs lost. It would hit regional Australia especially hard.
“We need to find ways to maintain post office outlets and reliable mail delivery services while Australia Post adapts to a changing communications environment.”
Mr Metcher welcomed Australia Post’s proposal to keep the price of stamps at 60 cents for concession holders like pensioners, job seekers and low-income earners until 2017.
Media Contact:
Jim Metcher 0418 656 262
Jackie Woods 0414 241 483
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