News

what's happening / news / Snail Mail Too Costly

Snail Mail Too Costly

Mr Mark Coure is calling on Australia Post to rethink its decision to increase the cost of a basic stamp from 70 cents to $1 and allow 2 extra business days for delivery effective from the 4th January 2016.

“By increasing the cost of a basic stamp by almost 43% Australia Post is penalising those who rely on and use their letter services”, Mr Coure said.

According to Australia Post the increase is required in order to meet the cost of providing and maintaining letter services and ensuring a 5 day a week delivery schedule.

Australis Post has admitted that there has been a steady decline in the number of customers using traditional letter services due to the use of technology including email.

“Australia Post needs to understand that many people, including the elderly and disabled, may not have access to technology such as email due to the cost and their location so an affordable letter service is vital”, Mr Coure said.

Mr Coure said he was particularly concerned for residents in rural and regional parts of the country who rely on an affordable letter service to keep connected with their communities and the rest of Australia.

“Many local residents in the St George area have contacted my office to express their anger at the increase to the cost of stamps and the impact it will have on small businesses”, Mr Coure Said.

“I come from a family of small business owners and operated my own business before entering politics and I understand how every cent counts and that is why a 43% increase in the cost of stamps will hurt small and family-run businesses in our local area”, Mr Coure said.

Along with the increase in the cost of basic stamps Australia Post has also introduced a two-speed letter delivery service with the postage of a priority letter costing $1.50.

Australia Post’s decision to increase the cost of stamps is currently being monitored by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and Mr Coure has written to Mr Ahmed Fahour, Managing Director and Group CEO of Australia Post to express his concern and request the price increase be reversed.