Food producers across the country are set to benefit, after Australia Post committed that it will continue to deliver perishable goods. The importance of this service being continued was highlighted by The Nationals during public hearings in the Senate earlier this year.
Australia Post announced that due to complex State and Territory regulatory requirements, it intended to discontinue the carriage of perishable goods from 30 June 2021.
The announcement to cut the service, which delivers consumable goods such as cheese and meat, was provided with little notice and sparked serious concerns from farmers and small businesses.
Nationals Senate Leader and Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie said the decision by Australia Post to continue delivering perishable goods is a win for regional and rural Australia.
“This commitment provides certainty for families and businesses that rely on Australia Post to deliver their agriculture and food products. The Nationals have fought hard on this issue, and we’re glad to see Australia Post back down on cutting the service,” Senator McKenzie said.
“To drop the service would have been absolutely devastating. Many of our regional food producers were quite alarmed and we also saw businesses from various sectors in Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland and South Australia were going to be impacted. This commitment from Australia Post is really going to provide them confidence to continue their operations.”
During the Australia Post inquiry, The Nationals continually advocated for vital postal services to continue for regional, rural and remote Australia.
“The Nationals will continue to fight to keep Australia Post services like this for regional Australians. This a great outcome for our local businesses.”
“I would also like to thank The Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Mr Bruce Billson who worked closely with Australia Post, producers and State regulators to assist Australia Post to reach this sensible decision.”