Selling Australia Post off to the highest bidder would cost thousands of jobs, reduce services and hit regional Australia hard said the postal workers’ union today in response to calls for the privatisation of Australia Post.
CEPU Postal and Telecommunications NSW Branch Secretary Jim Metcher questioned why the issue was again being discussed when the current Communications Minister had ruled out privatisation in May 2013, just months out from being elected to Government.
“Last financial year Australia Post delivered a healthy $312 million (after tax) profit,” Mr Metcher said.
“But the benefits Australia Post provides to the wider community are much more far reaching, especially the job opportunities and diversity of services it provides to rural and regional Australians.
“Privatisation would result in thousands of job losses and the closure of hundreds of Post Offices around the country.
“This would have a significant negative impact on both the regional workforce and the full range of postal services provided to people who live in country regions.
“It would mean a deterioration of affordable, reliable and efficient postal services, particularly in the delivery of mail and parcel items.
“Under privatisation the personal information Australia Post holds, gathered under its trusted and financial services, should no doubt make many Australians very nervous about where their personal information could end up.
“Not to mention Australia Post’s critical role in the processing and handling of postal votes and administration of passports, both which comes with a very high degree of security and sensitivity.
“These are all important essential services which should not be sold off and operated by a solely profit driven enterprise.
“Malcolm Turnbull has already ruled it out and the union that represents thousands of employees across the nation agrees with him – privatisation of Australia Post would simply be the wrong approach by the Abbott Government, politicians and their political parties.”
Media contact: Olivia Greentree 0439 411 774
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