Freight

Ombudsman calls on Australia Post to support food producers

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 04:00:49 +0000

Ombudsman calls on Australia Post to support food producers admin Fri, 12/10/2021 - 15:00

21 April 2021

The Australian �Թ�� and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has called on Australia Post to defer its plans to stop delivering perishable goods, saying this would be a crushing blow to small business producers.

Mr Billson says Australia Post’s decision to cease delivery of various perishable goods from June 30 is a self-imposed deadline that could be delayed to work through its concerns, to support small business food producers.

“Given Australia Post has 80% share of the total delivery market, this abrupt decision could prove to be devastating to those small business food producers who rely on this essential postage service,” Mr Billson says.

“So many small businesses moved to selling their products online as a result of the COVID crisis. They need some additional time to consider what options they have to fulfil their orders.

“We strongly encourage Australia Post to consider the impact this will have on their small business customers and to work with regulators to find a way to continue this essential service.

“Australia Post says the carriage of perishable food requirements differ state-by-state however there has been a national Food Regulation Agreement in place since 2000.

“My office has reached out to Australia Post and the state small business commissioners, who have all expressed their willingness facilitate discussions with industry regulators, to help resolve any issues Australia Post is experiencing across the delivery network.

“It is crucial to support small businesses as they work to recover from an incredibly challenging 12 months.

“Part of that is ensuring essential services such as postage of goods are both readily available and affordable to these affected small businesses.”

Ombudsman working with Australia Post to support food producers

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 03:57:47 +0000

Ombudsman working with Australia Post to support food producers admin Fri, 12/10/2021 - 14:57

21 April 2021

The Australian �Թ�� and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says today’s decision by Australia Post to continue shipping perishable goods across the country will bring joyful relief to small business food producers.

Mr Billson has welcomed the invitation to co-chair an industry working forum, which will work collaboratively to resolve any issues Australia Post is experiencing across its delivery network, to support small business food producers.

“I look forward to working closely with Australia Post and all relevant stakeholders to ensure small businesses can continue to count on these essential delivery services,” Mr Billson says.

“Small business food producers, especially those in regional areas, are breathing a huge sigh of relief today that they can continue doing what they do best – growing their business – with confidence that their goods will be delivered by Australia Post.

“Australia Post has positioned itself as the delivery partner to small businesses and family enterprises, particularly to those businesses that moved to selling their products online as a result of the COVID crisis.

“This partnership has benefited both sides of the relationship and consumers.

“It was not right to unilaterally declare an end to vital delivery services to the detriment of these small businesses and the customers who depend on them. Australia Post is doing the right thing for its small business customers by reversing this decision.

“Now is the time to be working together to identify what the problems are and to find solutions to make a pathway forward.

“Let’s roll up our sleeves so that we can achieve a much better outcome for e-commerce powered small businesses who rely on Australia Post to fulfil their orders.”

The Ombudsman will meet with Australia Post next week and then again with the broader industry group in May. Mr Billson will collaborate closely with his state-based �Թ�� Commissioner colleagues to ensure their valuable perspective and regulatory insights are part of the problem-solving approach.

Regular sessions will be held with key regulatory bodies, government agencies and e-commerce representatives to work towards a resolution on this important issue.

Ombudsman, Australia Post work towards perishable goods solution

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 03:56:01 +0000

Ombudsman, Australia Post work towards perishable goods solution admin Fri, 12/10/2021 - 14:56

27 April 2021

The Australian �Թ�� and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson met with Australia Post today in a collaborative effort to resolve issues with delivery of perishable goods to support small business food producers.

Mr Billson described the first meeting with Australia Post as productive, saying he is looking forward to working closely with Australia Post and all relevant stakeholders to ensure small businesses can continue to count on essential delivery services of their products.

“This initial meeting with Australia Post gives me confidence that we can work together to identify what the problems are and to find solutions to make a pathway forward,” Mr Billson says.

“My office has made it clear to Australia Post that many small business food producers, especially those in regional areas, are reliant on the continuation of postage services to fulfil their orders.

“Australia Post has demonstrated a willingness to work through issues in its delivery network, including ongoing discussions with industry regulators. My state-based �Թ�� Commissioner colleagues are also well-placed to play a key role in this problem-solving process if it is a matter of complex and differing food regulation requirements across the states.

“It’s vital we all roll up our sleeves to achieve an outcome that provides e-commerce-enabled small businesses with the confidence that their goods will be delivered by Australia Post.

“Our next steps include identifying case studies, finalising plans for consultation and forming an industry working forum to meet in May. Ensuring regulatory bodies, government agencies and e-commerce representatives are at the table to work towards a resolution to this important issue is necessary.

“In the meantime, my office is encouraging small business food producers who rely on Australia Post’s delivery services, to get in contact with my office as we want to make sure they are a meaningful part of this conversation.

“Ultimately, this thorough consultation process is both about resolving the issues Australia Post identifies as well as ensuring essential services such as postage of goods are meeting the needs of small business food producers.”

Small business food producers can email advocacy@asbfeo.gov.au