Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, , 3:30:18 to 3:33:58
Discussion focuses on Australia Post's strategy for licensed post offices, including potential buybacks and closures, and the department's oversight of these plans.
Topics: Infrastructure, Procurement
Speakers: Ms Lisa La Rance, Senator The Hon Sarah Henderson, Mr David Mackay, Mr Jim Betts, Senator Varun Ghosh
No. Okay. But just asking a very specific question. That's why I'm seeking that specific specific answer. Mr. Mackay, in relation to the Australia Posts endorsement of a trial to sell off a number of licensed post offices. And the scandal with that secret plan which we uncovered. Are you able to advise us whether you've raised the department has raised any concerns about Australia Post's plan in that respect?
I'm not personally aware, Senator, but I'll ask my colleagues to comment.
So, Senator, our primary focus is on Australia Post meeting its legislative obligations with a number of retail outlets. In relation to what that buyback may mean in practice. Our focus is on understanding any financial and most importantly community impacts.
So you've sought information?
So following the questions which we also observed. And it has been characterised to us as buyback for when those licensees are looking to retire, and we have asked for to understand that and our understanding is that there isn't a set plan. But we have sought information on it, yes.
I need to make the decision as to how I direct questions with respect. So I am seeking this information from you as department officials. Could you provide on notice the correspondence you've had with Australia Post in relation to this? There's series of different proposals, including buybacks.
Yes.
But also closures and a range of other initiatives that were canvassed in that document that we uncovered. If we could have a copy of the correspondence with Australia Post in relation to that plan. Did Australia Post make the Minister aware or the department aware of that plan, Mr. Betts? Do you know?
I don't, the team will have a better bid on it.
So Senator, once again, I would take any specific correspondence on notice. In response to the questions that have been raised, we have asked Australia Post about what that may mean in practice in terms of discussions that we regularly have with them, particularly in relation to that maintaining the minimum 4,000 retail outlets and what they're doing in relation to that. The issue of buybacks and whether that has come up over time.
Do you want to share the call around?
If now it's a convenient time.
Yeah, I've got some more questions.