Overview
- Communications Minister Anika Wells referred Australia Post to the House Standing Committee on Communications, the Arts and Sport on Thursday, triggering a formal parliamentary inquiry into the postal network.
- The committee will invite businesses, stakeholders and the public to make submissions and must deliver recommendations in the second quarter of 2027.
- Australia Post has shifted toward parcels while traditional mail has fallen, with packages revenue hitting a record $8 billion for the year to June 30 and a switch to alternate-day letter delivery saving about $188.3 million over 12 months.
- The inquiry follows political scrutiny of governance after a reported buyback document for distressed licensees and disclosure that CEO Paul Graham received a bonus of more than $1.36 million during a year the organisation recorded a $107.6 million loss.
- Licensed post offices and regional communities face financial pressure, so the committee will consider service diversification and measures to preserve access to essential postal services during emergencies and in remote areas.