Members will recall that earlier this year the CWU raised serious concerns regarding the sun protection claims associated with a new batch of Australia Post issued hi-vis polo shirts.
Following direct representations made by Branch Secretary Shane Murphy, Australia Post immediately withdraw the garments on an interim basis while further investigations were undertaken.
Subsequent independent testing confirmed our members’ concerns, finding that the garments did not in fact achieve their claimed level of sun protection. As a result, the shirts were permanently withdrawnthe process of sourcing a suitable replacement quickly followed.
Throughout the process, the CWU has continued to engage with Australia Post to ensure members have access to outdoor workwear that provides the level of protection claimed and expected. Australia Post has now advised that new replacement UPF50+ rated outdoor hi-vis shirt options will be available to order from Tuesday, 6 October 2026.
This outcome highlights the importance of members raising workplace health and safety concerns through their Union and the positive role that genuine engagement can play in ensuring issues affecting members’ safety and wellbeing are appropriately addressed.
What Is Being Introduced?
Two new yellow hi-vis long-sleeve options will be available:
- A new polo-style knit shirt, expected to be delivered from early November
- A new branded cotton drill woven shirt, based on the interim drill shirt currently being worn by many members, expected to be available within approximately two weeks of ordering.
Australia Post has advised that both garments have been tested to meet the relevant Australian Standards and are UV compliant.
Ordering Arrangements
Members will be able to place orders through MyBuy from starting from 6 October 2026 and may order either style, or a combination of both, within their existing uniform entitlement..
While the new polo shirt will not be available for delivery until early November, members should start placing orders as soon as the ordering window opens.
Members who prefer the interim cotton drill shirt will be able to continue wearing it and transport members will also be able to access short-sleeve versions.
The outcome achieved to date is a direct result of members raising concerns and your Union quickly and directly pursuing those concerns with Australia Post.
And while this outcome is positive and certainly welcomed, we will continue to monitor member feedback regarding the replacement garments and the broader uniform rollout.
Your safety and protection at work remains our priority.
Should you require any further information or assistance, please contact Branch Assistant Secretaries Lisa Bahls, Cameron Bird, Peter Chaloner or Barry McVee, or Branch Officials Cade Anderson, Kevin Backhouse, Nick Bentley, Matt Dean, Chris Gleeson, Phil Kessey, TK Ly, Robbie McLauchlan, Kyle Murphy, Liam Murphy, Peter O’Connell, Brett O’Neill, Peter Psomas, Giselle Saba, Clinton Thomas or Dennis Williams on (02) 9893 7822 when calling from NSW or the ACT, (07) 3255 0440 from QLD, (08) 9227 9911 from WA or (08) 8443 7389 from SA or the NT.
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