Selling off Australia Post would see postal services reduced and jobs slashed, the postal workers’ union warned today.
CEPU Postal and Telecommunications NSW Branch Secretary Jim Metcher said the Federal Government would face fierce community opposition if it took up the Commission of Audit’s recommendation to privatise postal services.
“Privatisation would result in thousands of job losses and the closure of many hundreds of Post Offices around the country,” said Mr Metcher.
“Rural and regional communities and small business who rely heavily on the diverse range of services delivered by Australia Post would be hit the hardest.
“Privatisation would mean a deterioration of affordable, reliable and efficient postal services, particularly in the delivery of mail and parcel items.
“Australia Post is trusted by community members to carry out a range of sensitive transactions including banking, administration of passports and the processing and handling of postal votes – people don’t want their personal information sold off to the highest bidder.
“Australia Post returns a healthy financial return to the Federal Government, but its community value is far broader in the jobs it provides and services it delivers.
“Instead of flogging off Australia Post, the Federal Government should support Post as it adapts to a changing economy so it can continue to be a trusted partner in the lives of all Australians.
“Some things are too important to be tampered with for ideological purposes, especially when the recommendation is coming from the big end of town who only want to cherry pick the profitable areas of the postal service – if it ain’t broke, there is nothing to fix!”
Media contact:
Jackie Woods 0414 241 483
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