Moving to Australia: Postal Services
29 August 2016 by News DeskMoving to Australia: profits at Australia Post may be up but critics say it now costs more to send a letter and takes longer to arrive.
Moving to Australia: A two-speed letter delivery system was introduced by Australia Post in January this year but critics say it now costs more to send a letter and takes longer to arrive.
The basic postage rate has increased from 70 cents to $1. Using the new Regular letter service, Priority mail now costs $1.50.
Australia Post pledges to deliver Priority letters within one to four business days while Regular mail can now arrive up to two business days afterwards which means mail could take over a week to reach its’ destination.
Australia Post has announced a profit of $36 million, driven by its booming parcel business and controversial reforms to letter delivery.
The figures show a $258 million turnaround in company fortunes while letter volumes have continued to fall year-on-year.
Moving to Australia: Postal Services
The volume of letter posted fell by 9.7 per cent, the largest ever 12-month decline and has led to a loss of $138 million in the postal business. But profits from parcels have increased by 8 per cent to $314 million.
Australia Post total revenue has risen 3 per cent to $6.6 billion
Parcels business recorded profit growth of 8 per cent due to strong business-to-consumer growth and productivity improvements
Local post offices will continue to be supported with an additional $125 million in annual payments now committed.
Ahmed Fahour, Australia Post Group CEO, said: “The parcels business has performed well despite increased competition. We have outperformed in difficult market conditions to post an 8 per cent profit increase”.
“Our business is 207 years old, but we continue to evolve to remain relevant and sustainable, so we can continue to serve customers and communities everywhere”.
Want to live and work Down Under? Click here for expert help: Skilled Migration to Australia
Want to get a job Down Under? Click here for expert help: How to Get a Job in Australia
Click here for expert help with travel visas: Travel Visas to Australia
Click here for tourist information about Australia: Visit Australia