Australia Post announces it will continue food deliveries

Australia Post has today announced it will continue to ship perishable goods across the country and work collaboratively to find solutions to support small business food producers with the support of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson.

The news follows a statement earlier this week that Australia Post was planning to stop food deliveries on some perishable goods from 30 June due to the complex food safety and regulatory requirements differing across states and territories about the transport of certain foods destined for consumption.

Now an industry working forum, to be co-chaired by Billson, has been formed to resolve cross-state regulatory issues as part of Australia Post’s commitment to support producers shipping perishable goods across the country.

The forum will also have representatives from industry bodies, the small business sector and producers to find possible solutions to the complex regulatory requirements for moving these goods through the delivery network.

Rodney Boys, Acting Group CEO & MD Australia Post, said this is an important and complex landscape that is best approached by working closely with customers, industry bodies and regulators.

“We recognise the original date for ceasing perishable transport through our network would cause significant disruption to small businesses, many who have experienced significant growth in e-commerce sales during COVID-19,” Boys said.

“Through this new forum, we will better understand what our customer capabilities and needs are and work hand in hand with regulators to determine where changes may be required.

“I am so pleased Bruce Billson has agreed to co-chair this forum with Australia Post to develop a long-term, sustainable solution to support this growing e-commerce industry.”

The Ombudsman said he’s looking forward to working with Australia Post to ensure this essential service is available to small business food producers.

Australia Post will continue to ship perishable goods as this forum continues to convene, with the first meeting between Australia Post and the Ombudsman to occur Tuesday next week.

Image credit: Australia Post