View source for Australia Post

{{Short description|Australian postal service}}
{{Use Australian English|date=November 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Australian Postal Corporation
| logo = File:Australia Post logo.svg
| owner = [[Australian Government]]
| type = [[State-owned enterprise|Government business enterprise]]
| industry = [[Postal service]]
| predecessor = {{Unbulleted list|Australian Postal Commission|[[Postmaster-General's Department]]}}
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1975|7|1|df=yes}} in [[Sydney, Australia]]
| location_city = [[Melbourne]], [[Australia]]
| locations = {{Decrease}} 4,189 outlets ([[Financial year|FY]]24)<ref name="AP AR24">{{Cite web |date=2024 |title=''Modernising Australia Post'': Australia Post Annual Report 2024 |url=https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/2024-australia-post-annual-report.pdf |access-date=28 July 2025 |website=Australia Post |publication-place=[[Melbourne]], Australia}}</ref>
| area_served = [[Australia]]
| key_people = {{Unbulleted indent list|Lucio Di Bartolomeo (Chairman)|Paul Graham (CEO)}}
| products = {{Unbulleted indent list|[[Postal services]]|[[Retail]]|[[Logistics]]|Printing services|[[Australian passport|Passport]] issuing}}
| revenue = {{Increase}} {{AUD|9.13[[1,000,000,000|B]]|link=yes}} ([[Financial year|FY]]24)<ref name="AP AR24" />
| net_income = {{Increase}} -{{AUD|68.1[[1,000,000|M]]}} ([[Financial year|FY]]24)<ref name="AP AR24" />
| num_employees = {{decrease}} {{circa|64,000}} ([[Financial year|FY]]24)<ref name="AP AR24" />
| subsid = [[POLi Payments]]<br/>SecurePay<br/>Decipha
| homepage = {{URL|auspost.com.au}}
}}

'''Australia Post''', formally the '''Australian Postal Corporation''' and also known as '''AusPost''', is an [[Australian Government]]-[[State-owned enterprise|owned corporation]] that provides [[postal service]]s throughout Australia. Australia Post's head office is located on Swan Street in [[Richmond, Victoria]].

Australia Post is the successor of the [[Postmaster-General's Department]], which was established at [[Federation of Australia|federation]] in 1901 to formalise colonial postal services. In 1975, the department was abolished and its postal functions were taken over by the Australian Postal Commission.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dowse |first1=Josh |title=Australia Post - our dead letter office |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/business-spectator/news-story/australia-post--our-dead-letter-office/db682354bd3117b35b12cd9a8da8b525 |access-date=27 March 2020 |publisher=The Australian Business Review}}</ref> The organisation's current name and structure were adopted in 1989 when it was [[corporatisation|made into a government-owned corporation]].

== History ==
=== Colonial Australia (pre–1901) ===
[[File:The Postmen of New South Wales, Supplement to the Illustrated Sydney News 15th December 1887.jpg|thumb|''The Postmen of New South Wales'' (1887)]]
Before colonial control of mail started in 1809, mail was usually passed on by ad hoc arrangements made between transporters, storekeepers and settlers. These arrangements were flexible, and inherently unstable. It was common for early settlers to ride many miles out of their way to deliver neighbours' mail that had been collected from informal distribution points.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/fact-sheets/fs50.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018044257/http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/fact-sheets/fs50.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 October 2011|title=Post Office records – Fact sheet 50|publisher=[[National Archives of Australia]]|date=5 April 2011|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref>

The first organisation of a postal service in Australia commenced in 1809 with the appointment in [[Sydney]] of the first [[Postmaster-General of New South Wales|postmaster]]. An English ex-convict, [[Isaac Nichols]], took the post operating from his home in [[George Street, Sydney]]. His main job was to take charge of letters and parcels arriving by ship, to avoid the chaos of people rushing aboard ships as soon as they arrived at Sydney's wharves. Nichols would pick up the mail and post a list of recipients outside his house.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.auspost.com.au/priority/index.asp?issue_id=3&area=features&article_id=25|title=Cads Of The Cove|website=Priority Magazine Issue 3|publisher=Australia Post|date=October 1998|access-date=30 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091002024325/http://www1.auspost.com.au/priority/index.asp?issue_id=3&area=features&article_id=25|archive-date=2 October 2009}}</ref> He would advertise in the ''[[Sydney Gazette]]'' the names of all those who received mail. Recipients paid a fixed price of one [[Shilling (British coin)|shilling]], equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU| {{Inflation|UK|{{£sd |s=1}}|1809|1850|r=6}}|1850|r=2}}|link=yes}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}}, per letter to collect mail from Nichols' home, with parcels costing more depending on how heavy they were. VIP addressees were afforded personal delivery by Nichols.<ref name="auspost">{{cite web|url=http://auspost.com.au/education/ourpost/students/our-post/timeline.html|title=Australia Post Our post – Primary, our past|publisher=Australia Post|access-date=30 January 2016|archive-date=22 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122060519/http://auspost.com.au/education/ourpost/students/our-post/timeline.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Between 1812 and 1842, postmasters were also appointed in [[Tasmania]] (1812), [[Western Australia]] (1829), [[Victoria, Australia|Victoria]] (1836), [[South Australia ]](1837) and [[Queensland]] (1842). Settlements outside of the postmasters' domain were serviced by contractors on horsebacks or in coaches.<ref>{{Cite web|title=First post office|url=https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/first-post-office|access-date=3 September 2020|website=[[National Museum of Australia]]}}</ref>

In 1825, the [[New South Wales Legislative Council]] passed the ''Postal Act'' which transferred responsibility from Nichols, acting as a private company, to the [[Governor of New South Wales|governor]]. The governor would then set the wage of the postmaster and the cost of collecting mail.

=== 20th century ===
[[File:General Post Office, Sydney (2363523862).jpg|thumb|[[General Post Office, Sydney|The Sydney General Post Office]] circa 1900]]
[[File:Australian-old-postbox.jpg|thumb|upright|A [[pillar box]] in [[Marrickville]]]]
Following [[Federation of Australia|federation]] in 1901, the colonial mail systems were merged into the [[Postmaster-General's Department]] (PMG). This body was responsible for [[telegraphy|telegraph]] and domestic telephone operations as well as postal mail. An airmail service was introduced in 1914.<ref name="auspost" /> In 1967, 4-digit [[postcodes in Australia]] were introduced, in addition to the world's first mechanical processing centre, which garnered international attention.<ref>{{cite web |author=Daniel Vidoni |url=http://www.storefinder.com.au/postcode-assignment.php |title=History and Assignment of Postcodes |publisher=Store Finder |access-date=24 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929130828/http://www.storefinder.com.au/postcode-assignment.php |archive-date=29 September 2007 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

On 1 July 1975, separate government commissions were created to undertake the operational responsibilities of the PMG. One of these was the Australian Postal Commission. It later became the Australian Postal Corporation on 1 January 1989 when it was corporatised into what is now known as the ''Australian Postal Corporation,'' or ''Australia Post''.

In December 1987, 21-year-old Melbourne University student Frank Vitkovic, while experiencing a [[mental health]] crisis, entered the Australian Post building located at 191 Queen Street in Melbourne and spoke animatedly with an unidentified friend who worked in the building, then perpetrated what came to be known as the [[Queen Street massacre]].<ref name=APnews>{{cite news |title=Coroner Examines Note Left by Australian Gunman |url=https://apnews.com/article/076b6af10b3e435ac02456995a33754b|access-date=31 August 2022 |work=apnews.com |publisher=Associated Press |date=1987-12-09}}</ref> The [[mass shooting]] left eight Australia Post and other company employees dead.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/melbourne-remembers-queen-st-massacre-20071207-gdrrjv.html|title=Melbourne remembers Queen St massacre|date=6 December 2007}}</ref> The perpetrator fell to his death from the building while struggling with a security guard. The incident resulted in calls to strengthen [[Gun laws of Australia|gun control laws in Australia]].<ref name=APnews/>

=== 21st century ===
Under amendments to the Australian Postal Corporation Act which came into effect in March 2008, quarantine inspection officers of a state or territory are authorised to request Australia Post to open packets and parcels sent from interstate for inspection when inspectors believe they may contain quarantine material. The legislation also authorises Australia Post to remove any mail articles that are suspected of being [[Scam letters|scam mail]].<ref name="dbcde.gov.au">{{cite web|url=http://www.dbcde.gov.au/post/australia_post/australia_post_history|title=History of Australia Post|publisher=Australian Government, Department of Broadband, Communications, and the Digital Economy|date=27 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706121712/http://www.dbcde.gov.au/post/australia_post/australia_post_history|archive-date=6 July 2011}}</ref>

In February 2010, [[Ahmed Fahour]] was appointed [[Chief executive officer|MD]] (CEO) of Australia Post.<ref>{{cite news|last=Johnston|first=Eric|date=23 December 2009|title=Rudd's banker stamps his mark on post office|work=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|url=http://www.smh.com.au/business/rudds-banker-stamps-his-mark-on-post-office-20091222-lbrq.html}}</ref> In May 2010, he announced a new strategy dubbed "Future Ready" designed to reinvigorate Australia Post. This included a new organisation structure as well as a renewed foray into digital businesses under a [[strategic business unit]] called ''eServices''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Durie|first=John|date=18 June 2010|title=Australia Post expands into electronic applications|work=[[The Australian]]|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/opinion/austria-post-expands-into-electronic-applications/story-e6frg9if-1225881080697}}</ref>

However, in 2013, the corporation acknowledged that, though the strategy was successful in improving Australia Post's profitability and structure, it was insufficient in its contributions to their development as a financially self-sustaining business.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Report: Performance, importance and role of Australia Post in Australian communities and its operations in relation to licensed post offices|url=https://www.aph.gov.au/~/media/Committees/Senate/committee/ec_ctte/Australia_Post_in_Australian_communities/report/b03.pdf?la=en}}</ref>

In September 2015, the corporation announced its first loss in 30 years. The {{AUD|222{{nbsp}}[[1,000,000|million]]|link=no}} loss, equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|222|2015|r=3}}{{nbsp}}million}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}}, was down from a {{AUD|116{{nbsp}}million}} profit the previous year. Large decreases in addressed and stamped mail led to a {{AUD|381{{nbsp}}million}} loss in the mail delivery side of the business. Parcel delivery then accounted for over half of total revenue. Overall revenue was stable at {{AUD|6.37{{nbsp}}[[1,000,000,000|billion]]}},<ref>[https://auspost.newsroom.com.au/Content/Home/Home/Article/Australia-Post-delivers-strong-full-year-profit-before-tax-of-126-1m-despite-record-letter-volume-decline-/-2/-2/6168 Australia Post delivers strong full year profit of $126.1m before tax] Australia Post</ref> equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|6.37|2015|r=2}}{{nbsp}}billion}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}}.

In August the following year, Australia Post returned to profit with strong parcel and courier performance, and organisation re-structuring. However, mail performance reached an all-time low.

In February 2017, Australian Prime Minister [[Malcolm Turnbull]] criticised CEO Ahmed Fahour's {{AUD|5.6{{nbsp}}million}}, equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|5.6|2017|r=1}}{{nbsp}}million}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}}, annual salary, saying "As the Prime Minister and a taxpayer, I've spoken to the chairman today. I think that salary, that remuneration, is too high."<ref>{{cite news|last=McIlroy|first=Tom|date=8 February 2017|title=Malcolm Turnbull says $5.6 million salary of Australia Post boss Ahmed Fahour is too high|work=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/malcolm-turnbull-says-56-million-salary-of-australia-post-boss-ahmed-fahour-is-too-high-20170207-gu7t06.html|access-date=26 January 2020}}</ref> On 23 February 2017, Fahour announced his resignation, effective July 2017, telling media that the decision was not related to discussion of his salary.<ref>{{cite news|last=Belot|first=Henry|date=23 February 2017|title=Australia Post CEO Ahmed Fahour resigns after salary furore|work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-23/australia-post-ceo-resigns/8296566|access-date=26 January 2020}}</ref>

In October 2019, Australia Post completed a major rebranding project with Melbourne-based brand strategy firm Maud. This project saw the development of a new brand identity, website and self-service platform, parcel and letter packaging, street posting boxes, staff uniforms, and a fleet of custom-designed electric vehicles, amongst others.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.maud.com.au/projects/australia-post/#full|title=Australia Post — MAUD — We build enduring brands in a world of constant change.|website=www.maud.com.au|access-date=2020-04-30}}</ref>

In 2019, with parcels deliveries increasing while letter deliveries falling, the Post Office transferred several thousand workers from letters to parcels.  Letter deliveries were reduced from five days per week to two days per week.

In 2021, Australia Post began using its first electric trucks; three [[Fuso Ecanter]]s in Melbourne.<ref name="apw">{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=30 November 2021 |title=Australia Post welcomes its first electric trucks |url=https://bigrigs.com.au/index.php/2021/11/30/australia-post-welcomes-its-first-electric-trucks/ |work=Big Rigs |publisher=[[Prime Creative Media]] |access-date=13 December 2021}}</ref>

In 2025, Australia Post indefinitely suspended most deliveries to the United States and [[Puerto Rico]], citing [[Tariffs in the second Trump administration|tariffs]] imposed by the [[Second Trump administration|Trump administration]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Australia joins countries suspending post to US |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250826-australia-joins-countries-suspending-post-to-us |access-date=26 August 2025 |work=[[France 24]] |date=26 August 2025}}</ref>

== Operational development ==
Responding to competitive pressures, Australia Post continued to broaden its product and service range in 2019, having invested in extensive technology-based infrastructure programmes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.itnews.com.au/news/australia-post-completes-data-centre-overhaul-401182|title=Australia Post completes data centre overhaul|website=iTnews|access-date=2019-04-03}}</ref> It operates in three core areas: letters and associated services; retail [[merchandising|merchandise]] and agency services; and parcels and logistics. It has a number of subsidiaries and joint ventures, including Sai Cheng Logistics International{{snd}}a joint-venture logistics company<ref>[https://auspost.com.au/business/shipping/international-shipping/logistics-in-china Logistics in China]. Official website</ref> established with [[China Post]] in 2005.

Australia Post operates regular mail delivery as well as an express and courier service through Messenger Post (now trading as ''Startrack Courier'').<ref>{{cite web|url=http://businessacumen.biz/index.php/18-news/in-brief/597-messenger-post-couriers-re-brand-as-startrack-courier.html|title=Messenger Post couriers re-brand as StarTrack Courier|date=23 June 2014 |publisher=businessacumen.biz|access-date=29 October 2017}}</ref>

Australia Post is self-funding and uses its assets and resources to generate profits, which can be reinvested in the business or returned as dividends to its sole shareholder, the [[Government of Australia|Australian Government]]. Under its community service obligations, Australia Post is committed to providing an accessible, affordable and reliable letter service for all Australians wherever they reside. The corporation reaches more than 10 million Australian addresses; operates 4,330 postal outlets;<ref>[https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/2020-australia-post-annual-report.pdf Annual Report 2020] Australia Post</ref> and serves more than a million customers in postal outlets every business day. When the basic domestic letter rate was increased to {{AUD|1.00}} on 4 January 2016,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://auspost.com.au/parcels-mail/pricing-updates.html|title=Pricing Updates|publisher=auspost.com.au|access-date=24 April 2016}}</ref> there were no changes to prices of concession stamps or seasonal greeting stamps, which remained at {{AUD|0.60}} and {{AUD|0.65}} respectively. At the same time, a category of priority mail was introduced (as distinct from regular mail), under which delivery standards were varied and a {{AUD|0.50}} ''priority label'' was required as additional payment for the better standard.<ref name=2016update/>

Under the Australian Postal Corporation Act 1989, letters up to {{convert|250|g}} are reserved to Australia Post{{snd}}other people and businesses can only carry them if they charge four times the basic postage rate. All of the other goods and services provided by Australia Post are sold in fully competitive markets and, in 2005–06, nearly 90 per cent of the corporation's profit (from ordinary activities before net interest and tax) came from selling products and services in competitive markets.
{{Gallery
|align=centre
|height=140
|mode=packed

|File:Australia Post boxes.jpg
|Express (yellow) and normal (red) street [[post box|posting boxes]] in 2005

|File:Australia Post Mail Sorting Centre.jpg
|[[Riverina]] Mail sorting centre in [[Wagga Wagga]], [[New South Wales]]

|File:Pingelly Post Office, October 2020 01.jpg
|A rural post office in [[Pingelly, Western Australia]]
}}

==Organisational structure and information==
=== Board of directors ===
{{Div col |colwidth=20em}}
* Siobhan McKenna (chair)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Board of directors|url=https://auspost.com.au/about-us/corporate-information/board-of-directors|access-date=16 April 2023|website=Australia Post}}</ref>
* Andrea Staines (deputy chair)
* Paul Graham (Group Chief Executive Officer and managing director)
* Robyn Clubb (Director)
* Richard Dammery (Director)
* Laura Inman (Director)
* [[Annastacia Palaszczuk]] (Director)
* [[Deidre Willmott]] (Director)
{{Div col end}}

=== Employment ===
Empty cells have no data available for that year. All results as at 30 June of the year indicated.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year
! Full-time staff
! Part-time staff
! Other staff
! Source
|-
| 1993
| style="text-align:right;"| 31934
| style="text-align:right;"| 3999
| style="text-align:right;"| 
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081030204230/http://www.auspost.com.au/GAC_File_Metafile/0%2C%2C2036_fin96%2C00.pdf Annual Report]</ref>
|-
| 1994
| style="text-align:right;"| 31130
| style="text-align:right;"| 4204
| style="text-align:right;"| 5626
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref name="Annual Report">[https://web.archive.org/web/20081030204230/http://www.auspost.com.au/GAC_File_Metafile/0,,2036_fin96,00.pdf Annual Report]</ref>
|-
| 1995
| style="text-align:right;"| 31621
| style="text-align:right;"| 4501
| style="text-align:right;"| 5253
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref name="Annual Report"/>
|-
| 1996
| style="text-align:right;"| 32040
| style="text-align:right;"| 5689
| style="text-align:right;"| 7849
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref name="Annual Report"/>
|-
| 1997
| style="text-align:right;"| 31111
| style="text-align:right;"| 6185
| style="text-align:right;"| 8466
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref name="Annual Report"/>
|-
| 1998
| style="text-align:right;"| 29564
| style="text-align:right;"| 6961
| style="text-align:right;"| 9151
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070629163605/http://www.auspost.com.au/annualreport99/images/AR2ndHalf.pdf Annual Report]</ref>
|-
| 1999
| style="text-align:right;"| 28205
| style="text-align:right;"| 6756
| style="text-align:right;"| 9776
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070629163605/http://www.auspost.com.au/annualreport99/images/AR2ndHalf.pdf 1999 Annual Report]</ref>
|-
| 2000
| style="text-align:right;"| 26915
| style="text-align:right;"| 8482
| style="text-align:right;"| 9455
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20061206192409/http://www.auspost.com.au/annualreport2001/pdf/AR_pp88-93.pdf Annual Report]</ref>
|-
| 2001
| style="text-align:right;"| 27079
| style="text-align:right;"| 8458
| style="text-align:right;"| 9660
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20061206192409/http://www.auspost.com.au/annualreport2001/pdf/AR_pp88-93.pdf 2001 Annual Report]</ref>
|-
| 2002
| style="text-align:right;"| 26950
| style="text-align:right;"| 8812
| style="text-align:right;"| 9703
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060825112635/http://www.auspost.com.au/annualreport2003/pdf/stat_summary.pdf 2003 Annual Report]</ref>
|-
| 2003
| style="text-align:right;"| 26394
| style="text-align:right;"| 9033
| style="text-align:right;"| 9557
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20061207024404/http://www.auspost.com.au/annualreport2004/pdf/stat_summ.pdf Annual Report]</ref>
|-
| 2004
| style="text-align:right;"| 26019
| style="text-align:right;"| 9030
| style="text-align:right;"| 9559
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20061207024404/http://www.auspost.com.au/annualreport2004/pdf/stat_summ.pdf 2004 Annual Report]</ref>
|-
| 2005
| style="text-align:right;"| 25851
| style="text-align:right;"| 8953
| style="text-align:right;"| 9570
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070328204510/http://www.auspost.com.au/annualreport2006/pdf/AusPost_AnnRpt_2006.pdf Annual Report]</ref>
|-
| 2006
| style="text-align:right;"| 25387
| style="text-align:right;"| 9196
| style="text-align:right;"| 6415
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070328204510/http://www.auspost.com.au/annualreport2006/pdf/AusPost_AnnRpt_2006.pdf 2006 Annual Report]</ref>
|-
| 2007
| style="text-align:right;"| 25026
| style="text-align:right;"| 9498
| style="text-align:right;"| 6247
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref>[https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/auspost-annrpt-2007.pdf 2007 Annual Report]</ref>
|-
| 2008
| style="text-align:right;"| 25093
| style="text-align:right;"| 9936
| style="text-align:right;"| 
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref>[https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/auspost-annrpt-2008.pdf 2008 Annual Report]</ref>
|-
| 2009
| style="text-align:right;"| 25149
| style="text-align:right;"| 10360
| style="text-align:right;"| 8106
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref>[https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/auspost-anntpt-2009.pdf 2009 Annual Report]</ref>
|-
| 2010
| style="text-align:right;"| 24205
| style="text-align:right;"| 10252
| style="text-align:right;"| 
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref>[https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/AP-annual-report-0910.pdf 2009-10 Annual Report]</ref>
|-
| 2011
| style="text-align:right;"| 23369
| style="text-align:right;"| 10103
| style="text-align:right;"| 
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref>[https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/2010-11-integrated-annual-report-web.pdf 2010-11 Annual Report]</ref>
|-
| 2012
| style="text-align:right;"| 23221
| style="text-align:right;"| 9810
| style="text-align:right;"| 
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref>[https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/australia-post-annual-report-2011-12.pdf 2011-12 Annual Report]</ref>
|-
| 2013
| style="text-align:right;"| 23526
| style="text-align:right;"| 8938
| style="text-align:right;"| 
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref>[https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/annual-report-2012-2013.pdf 2012-13 Annual Report]</ref>
|-
| 2014
| style="text-align:right;"| 27315
| style="text-align:right;"| 8613
| style="text-align:right;"| 
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref>[https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/Australia_Post_Annual_Report_2013-14.pdf 2013-14 Annual Report] page 139</ref>
|-
| 2015
| style="text-align:right;"| 27098
| style="text-align:right;"| 8195
| style="text-align:right;"| 
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref name="AR2015">[https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/australia-post-annual-report-2015.pdf 2015 Annual Report] page 123</ref>
|-
| 2019
| style="text-align:right;"| 27785
| style="text-align:right;"| 7316
| style="text-align:right;"| 
| style="text-align:right;"| <ref name="AR2019">[https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/publications/2019-australia-post-annual-report.pdf 2019 Annual Report] page 27</ref>
|}

==== Job cuts ====
In June 2015, Australia Post announced that in view of mounting losses, and especially the accelerating decline in its letter delivery service, it would reduce its workforce by 1,900 over three years through [[Voluntary redundancy|voluntary redundancies]]. At the time, mail delivery losses were approaching {{AUD|500{{nbsp}}million}} for the 2014–15 financial year.<ref name="abc-slash-jobs">{{cite news |last1=Ryan|first1=Peter Ryan |title=Australia Post to slash 1,900 jobs amid $500m mail losses; boss warns of 'tipping point' as letters business plunges |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-26/australia-post-to-slash-1900-jobs-amid-mail-losses/6574752 |access-date=25 September 2015 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Commission |date=26 June 2015}}</ref> As of 2019 however, Australia Post's workforce was broadly similar in numbers compared to 2015.<ref name="AR2015"/><ref name="AR2019"/>

== Facts and statistics ==
Nationwide there are 7,950 postal routes serviced by 10,000 [[mail carrier|postperson]]s, colloquially called ''posties''. Motorcycles (including the [[Honda CT110]]) are used for delivery on about 6,600 routes, bicycles on 350 routes and walking for 1,000 routes. Electric-assisted bicycles were introduced in [[Victoria, Australia|Victoria]] in 2011.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/the-posties-pushie-returns-with-added-oomph-and-a-green-message-20110305-1bizs.html | location=Melbourne | work=[[The Age]]| title=The postie's pushie returns, with added oomph, and a green message}}</ref> Cars, trucks and vans are used on only the longest routes. Until the 1960s the longest, and the world's longest, overland mail route was [[Meekatharra]] to [[Marble Bar, Western Australia]]. As there were few roads, a round trip took seven days. The current longest overland route is [[Norseman, Western Australia|Norseman]], Western Australia to [[Border Village]], [[South Australia]], a distance of {{convert|1460|km|mi|abbr=on}}. The longest air service delivers to remote communities in the outback covering {{convert|1790|km|mi|abbr=on}} over two days.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}} The last remaining mailboat service still operates on the [[Hawkesbury River]] to the north of Sydney, out of Brooklyn, and is called ''Riverboat Postman''.
{{Gallery
|align=centre
|width=180
|height=180
|mode=packed
<!-- |noborder=yes -->

|File:2006-2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (W 906) SWB van, Australia Post (2018-11-22).jpg
|An Australia Post van

|File:Postie ie. postman, Brisbane, Queensland, July 2020.jpg
|A postperson delivering mail on a motor bike

|File:Australia Post electric delivery vehicle Kyburz DXP 240, 03.jpg
|Electric scooters have been introduced in more recent years
}}

The most isolated Post Office is located {{convert|217|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Onslow, Western Australia]], {{convert|32|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the nearest customer. The highest Post Office is located in [[Perisher Ski Resort]] at {{convert|1720|m}} above sea level.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}

According to the 2019 annual report, Australia Post:
* delivered 40 million parcels in December (a new record);
* generated revenue of {{AUD|6.99{{nbsp}}billion}}, equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|6.99|2019|r=2}}{{nbsp}}billion}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}};
* earned profit (before tax) of {{AUD|41.1{{nbsp}}million}};
* saved over {{AUD|250{{nbsp}}million}} (business efficiency savings);
* obtained complete ownership of Australia Post Global (APG);
* domestic parcel growth reached a revenue of up to 9.2%;
* still owns [[StarTrack]];
*delivers to 214 countries

and had:
* over 4,342 post offices, over 2,529 in rural and remote areas
* over 15,037 street posting boxes
* approximately 80,000 people in the workforce

Undelivered items go to the mail redistribution centres, which attempt to return the items to their senders.

In February 2015, Australia Post reported a 56% fall in its half-year profit from 2014, a loss of {{AUD|151{{nbsp}}million}}. The first full-year loss in over 30 years was forecast. Managing director, [[Ahmed Fahour]] noted this tied in with a worldwide decline of letter volumes over the past seven years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/31580780 |title=Australia Post's half-yearly profit down 56%|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=23 February 2015 |access-date=24 January 2016}}</ref>

In February 2017, it was reported Fahour's reforms reduced potential 2015-16 losses, to {{AUD|138{{nbsp}}million}}.<ref name="ap ceo">{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/australia-post-ceo-paid-56-million-in-2016/news-story/7e8b26ed0660abf9c7d60b4ec539017e  |title=Australia Post CEO paid $5.6 million in 2016 |author=Chung, Frank|date=8 February 2017|work=[[News.com.au]]|access-date=8 February 2017}}</ref>

== Products and services ==
Australia Post operates in three core markets: letters and associated services; agency services and retail merchandise; and parcels and logistics that span both domestic and international markets.

=== Letters and associated services ===
Australia Post collects, processes and distributes letters for the entire Australian community and between Australia and other countries overseas. It also offers bulk mail delivery services for businesses and community organisations and provides research, advice, consumer list rental, and profiling and segmentation services to help businesses target their objectives and customers, along with other associated services.

==== Postal services ====
[[File:Post boxes at the Canberra GPO March 2018.jpg|thumb|Post boxes at the Canberra GPO in 2018]]
While postal services of letters and parcels are one of the original areas of Australia Post, it has also diversified its operations into the provision of other services including agency services, business-to-business integration and logistics and supply chain management (see below).

==== Postage rate ====

===== Basic domestic =====
The basic postage rate for a small letter has increased over the years due to [[inflation]] but influenced in recent years by a complex interplay between Australia Post's monopoly over small items, and need to provide service to all Australian addresses at the mandated basic rate. For version of this table showing inflation, see [[List of postage rates in Australia]].

In July 2009, Australia Post requested the [[Australian Competition & Consumer Commission]] (ACCC) to approve a stamp price rise in 2010 to {{AUD|0.60}} but the ACCC declined the approval of the price rise. However in April 2010, Australia Post resubmitted the proposed postal stamp rise. The ACCC approved this request on 28 May 2010 and it was published in the Government Gazette on 9 June 2010.<ref>{{cite news|title=Australia Post seeks postage increase |publisher=Inside Retailing |date=24 July 2009 |url=http://www.insideretailing.com.au/Latest/tabid/53/ID/5858/Australia-Post-seeks-postage-increase.aspx |access-date=22 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727123014/http://www.insideretailing.com.au/Latest/tabid/53/ID/5858/Australia-Post-seeks-postage-increase.aspx |archive-date=27 July 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Australia Post wants to raise the cost of stamp by five cents |first=Elissa |last=Doherty |publisher=[[Herald Sun]]|date=13 April 2010 |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/australia-post-wants-to-raise-the-cost-of-stamp-by-five-cents/story-e6frf7jo-1225853202762 |access-date=22 April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Commonwealth Gazette, Edition 22, 2010 |page=1148 |date=9 June 2010 |url=http://www.ag.gov.au/portal/govgazonline.nsf/98624e1d72c56173ca256cf4001cc123/75817cba09061107ca25773d001d2c62!OpenDocument |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629133236/http://www.ag.gov.au/portal/govgazonline.nsf/98624e1d72c56173ca256cf4001cc123/75817cba09061107ca25773d001d2c62%21OpenDocument |archive-date=29 June 2011 }}</ref>

On 26 December 2013, due to the heavy decline in mail usage due to competition (such as email), Australia Post requested an increase in the base rate to {{AUD|0.70}}.<ref>[[The Australian]], 26 December 2013, page 1</ref>

On 4 January 2016, due to continuing heavy decline in mail usage, Australia Post requested an increase in the base rate to {{AUD|1.00}}.

{{As of |2020|2|1}}, the base rate for domestic letters was {{AUD|1.10}}.<ref name="Post Charges 2020-03-30">{{cite web |title=Post Charges |date=30 March 2020 |url=https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/post-guides/post-charges-guide-ms11.pdf |publisher=Australia Post |access-date=27 March 2020}}</ref>

*{{timeline-event |date=1911 |event=1d equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|{{£sd |s=1}}|1911|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}}}}
*{{timeline-event |date=1920 |event=2d equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|{{£sd |s=2}}|1920|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}}}}
*{{timeline-event |date=1950 |event=3d equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|{{£sd |s=3}}|1950|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}}}}
*{{timeline-event |date=1959 |event=5d equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|{{£sd |s=5}}|1959|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}}}}
*{{timeline-event |date=1966 |event={{AUD|0.04}}, equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.04|1966|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} (Introduction of decimal currency)}}
*{{timeline-event |date=1967 |event={{AUD|0.05}}, equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.05|1967|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} }}
*{{timeline-event |date=1970 |event={{AUD|0.06}}, equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.06|1970|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} }}
*{{timeline-event |date=1971 |event={{AUD|0.07}}, equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.07|1971|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} }}
*{{timeline-event |date=1974 |event={{AUD|0.10}}, equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.10|1974|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} }}
*{{timeline-event |date=1975 |event={{AUD|0.18}}, equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.18|1975|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} }}
*{{timeline-event |date=1978 |event={{AUD|0.20}}, equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.20|1978|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} }}
*{{timeline-event |date=1980 |event={{AUD|0.22}}, equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.22|1980|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} }}
*{{timeline-event |date=1981 |event={{AUD|0.24}}, equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.24|1981|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} }}
*{{timeline-event |date=1982 |event={{AUD|0.27}}, equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.27|1982|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} }}
*{{timeline-event |date=1983 |event={{AUD|0.30}}, equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.30|1983|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} }}
*{{timeline-event |date=1985 |event={{AUD|0.33}}, equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.33|1985|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} }}
*{{timeline-event |date=1986 |event={{AUD|0.36}}, equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.36|1986|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} }}
*{{timeline-event |date=1987 |event={{AUD|0.37}}, equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.37|1987|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} }}
*{{timeline-event |date=1988 |event={{AUD|0.39}}, equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.39|1988|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} }}
*{{timeline-event |date=1989 |event={{AUD|0.41}},<ref>{{cite news | title = Postage to rise by 2c a letter on July&nbsp;1 | newspaper = [[The Sydney Morning Herald]] | location = Sydney | page = 5 | date = 15 April 1989}}</ref> equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.41|1989|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}}}}
*{{timeline-event |date=1990 |event={{AUD|0.43}} equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.43|1990|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} (effective 3 September 1990)}}
*{{timeline-event |date=1992 |event={{AUD|0.45}} equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.45|1992|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} (effective 2 January 1992)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.treasury.gov.au/documents/202/PDF/Article09.pdf |title=Treasury Submission to the National Competition Council Review of the Australian Postal Corporation Act |quote=reflecting an increase in the standard postage stamp price from 41 cents to 45 cents between September 1990 and January 1992}}</ref>}}
*{{timeline-event |date=2000 |event={{AUD|0.45}} equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.45|2000|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} (effective 1 July 2000. With the introduction of the GST, the postage component was decreased to absorb the new GST cost, so for the public there was no change in stamp prices. For businesses the GST claimable component of the postage rate was 4¢, leaving a reduced cost to business users of just 41¢.}}
*{{timeline-event |date=2003 |event={{AUD|0.50}} equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.50|2003|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} (effective 13 January 2003)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/88213 | title=ACCC announces final decision on postal prices | date=25 October 2002 | quote=The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today announced its final decision not to object to Australia Post's request to increase the price of the basic postage stamp from 45c to 50c. The increase, which will take effect from January 2003, will see the price of the basic postage stamp rise for the first time in 10 years}}</ref>}}
*{{timeline-event |date=2008 |event={{AUD|0.55}} equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.55|2008|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} (effective 1 September 2008)}}
*{{timeline-event |date=2010 |event={{AUD|0.60}} equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.60|2010|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} (effective 28 June 2010)}}
*{{timeline-event |date=2014 |event={{AUD|0.70}} equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|0.70|2014|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} (effective 31 March 2014)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://auspost.com.au/parcels-mail/stamp-prices.html|title=Stamp prices|publisher=Australia Post|access-date=17 April 2014}}</ref>}}
*{{timeline-event |date=2016 |event={{AUD|1.00}} equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|1.00|2016|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} (effective 4 January 2016)<ref name=2016update>{{cite web|url=http://auspost.com.au/parcels-mail/pricing-updates.html|title=Pricing updates|publisher=Australia Post|access-date=20 December 2015}}</ref>}}
*{{timeline-event |date=2020 |event={{AUD|1.10}} equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|1.10|2020|r=2}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}} (effective 1 February 2020)<ref name="Post Charges 2020-03-30" />}}
*{{timeline-event |date=2023 |event={{AUD|1.20}} (effective 1 January 2023)}}
*{{timeline-event |date=2024 |event={{AUD|1.50}} (effective 3 April 2024)}}
*{{timeline-event |date=2025 |event={{AUD|1.70}} (effective 17 July 2025)}}

===== Large letters =====
Since about 2005, larger letters have been charged a round multiple of the base postage rate, which is helpful to customers if they do not have stocks of the more expensive stamps.
* {{cvt|260|x|360|x|20|mm}} – Up to {{cvt|125|g}} – {{AUD|2.40}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/post-guides/post-charges-guide-ms11.pdf |publisher=Auspost.com.au |access-date=24 July 2023}}</ref>
* {{cvt|260|x|360|x|20|mm}} – Up to {{cvt|250|g}} – {{AUD|3.60}}<ref name="auspost.com.au">{{cite web|url=https://auspost.com.au/parcels-mail/sending-in-australia/domestic-letters/regular-letters-cards|title=Regular letters|access-date=6 May 2018}}</ref>
* {{cvt|260|x|360|x|20|mm}} – Up to {{cvt|500|g}} – {{AUD|6.00}}<ref name="auspost.com.au"/>

A large letter, including packaging, cannot be more than {{cvt|20|mm}} thick or larger than {{cvt|260|x|360|mm}}, otherwise it will be considered a parcel, which {{as of |2023|07|lc=y}} costs a minimum of {{AUD|10.60}} for up to {{cvt|500|g}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/post-guides/post-charges-guide-ms11.pdf |publisher=Auspost.com.au |access-date=24 July 2023}}</ref>

=== Agency services and retail merchandise ===
Agency services: Australia Post provides third-party agency services that connect consumers, businesses and government bodies such as bill payment services, banking services and identity services. Australia Post also offers personal finance products, such as car and travel insurance<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/breaking-news/australia-post-pushes-into-insurance/story-e6frg90f-1225768589736|access-date=7 March 2012|newspaper=The Australian|date=2 September 2009|first=Richard|last=Gluyas|title=Australia Post pushes into insurance}}</ref>  and currency conversion.

Retail Merchandise: A variety of complementary products, packaging products, collectibles and [[post office]] boxes and locked bags are offered across the network of Australia Post outlets in Australia.{{citation needed|date=June 2012}}

Australia Post is one of organisations of issuing agency of [[Australian passport|Australian Passport]] along with [[Australian Passport Office]] of [[Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia)|Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade]].

=== Parcels and logistics ===
[[File:Australia Post Postal Lockers.jpg|thumb|Australia Post postal lockers located next to the [[Annandale Post Office]]. Customers can retrieve parcels 24 hours a day with a PIN.]]
Australia Post collects, processes and delivers single parcels or multi-parcel consignments all across Australia and internationally. It also provides complete end-to-end supply chain capabilities, from manufacturer (domestic or international) to consumer with integrated logistics services and a broad range of distribution options to track and trace deliveries.{{citation needed|date=June 2012}}

=== Digital services ===
Australia Post offers a number of digital services outside of their main mail/parcel/logistics area. These include employment screening,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://auspost.com.au/business/identity/workforce-verification|title=Workforce Verification|publisher=Australia Post|access-date=23 August 2019}}</ref> [[online payment]] services<ref>{{cite web|url=https://auspost.com.au/business/ecommerce/accept-payments-from-customers|title=Accept payments from customers|publisher=Australia Post|access-date=23 August 2019}}</ref> and a digital identity platform.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalid.com/|title=Digital iD|publisher=Australia Post|access-date=23 August 2019}}</ref>

=== Parcel lockers ===
Australia Post started offering parcel lockers in 2012,<ref>{{cite web |last=Rivett |first=Gary |date=10 October 2012 |title=Aus Post brings in 24-hour lockers for online shoppers |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-11/post-office-smart-lockers-rolled-out-for-online-purchases/4306946 |website=ABC News |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909085033/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-11/post-office-smart-lockers-rolled-out-for-online-purchases/4306946 |archive-date=9 September 2024 |access-date=14 January 2025}}</ref> which has now expanded to over 700 locations near post offices, supermarkets and railway stations. These lockers are free to use for Australia Post deliveries and can be picked up at anytime during day or night. Once delivered, the package must be picked up within 48 hours.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://auspost.com.au/receiving/alternative-delivery-addresses/use-a-247-parcel-locker|title=Use a 24/7 Parcel Locker|website=auspost.com.au|language=en|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref>

Parcel lockers are also available to use for sending prepaid parcels under {{convert|16|kg}}, with tracking details updated as soon as you have dropped your parcel off.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://auspost.com.au/sending/send-within-australia/send-with-a-247-parcel-locker|title=Send a parcel with a 24/7 Parcel Locker|website=auspost.com.au|language=en|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref>

=== Vending machines ===
[[File:Australia Post vending machine in Queen Victoria Market.jpg|thumb|An Australia Post vending machine at the [[Queen Victoria Market]] selling satchels, envelopes, and stamps]]
Australia Post provides{{when|date=January 2025}} [[24/7 service|24/7]] vending machines which sells postal items such as satchels, stamps, and envelopes.<ref>{{cite web |last=Crozier  |first= Ry |date=2 March 2023 |title=Australia Post modernisation will involve digital uplift |url=https://www.itnews.com.au/news/australia-post-modernisation-will-involve-digital-uplift-591485 |website=iTnews |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241030214736/https://www.itnews.com.au/news/australia-post-modernisation-will-involve-digital-uplift-591485 |archive-date=30 October 2024 |access-date=14 January 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=16 June 2011 |title=Australia Post reveals 'post office of the future' |url=https://postandparcel.info/39982/news/australia-post-reveals-post-office-of-the-future/ |website=Post & Parcel |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114051835/https://postandparcel.info/39982/news/australia-post-reveals-post-office-of-the-future/ |archive-date=14 January 2025 |access-date=14 January 2025}}</ref>

=== StarTrack ===
{{Main|StarTrack}}
[[File:2005-2010 Toyota HiAce (KDH200R) LWB van, Australia Post StarTrack Courier (2018-11-27).jpg|thumb|right|A [[Toyota HiAce]] with StarTrack Courier [[Van lettering]]]]
On 23 December 2003, Australia Post and [[Qantas]] went into a joint venture to acquire StarTrack from the company's founder, Greg Poche.

On 18 May 2011, it was announced the merger of the retail division of [[Australian airExpress]] (AaE) with StarTrack. StarTrack will be a solely retail-focused business and AaE will focus solely on domestic air linehaul and cargo terminal operations. The changes follow a review of the businesses guided by AUX Investments, a company established in 2010, to guide the review and provide streamlined governance across the businesses.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://auspost.com.au/about-us/qantas-australiapost-joint-venture.html|title = Australia Post Press Release|access-date = 17 June 2011|publisher = Australia Post|date = 18 May 2011|archive-date = 2 July 2011|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110702134830/http://auspost.com.au/about-us/qantas-australiapost-joint-venture.html|url-status = dead}}</ref>

In November 2012, Australia Post bought the 50% of the company owned by Qantas. As part of the deal, Australia Post divested itself of its 50% interest in [[Australian airExpress]] to Qantas.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Australia Post to buy Qantas out of freight group StarTrack in {{AUD|400{{nbsp}}million}} deal |newspaper=Herald Sun |location=Melbourne |date=2 October 2012 |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/business/companies/australia-post-to-buy-qantas-out-of-freight-group-startrack-express-in-400-million-deal/story-fndgp8b1-1226486162571 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121230114508/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/business/companies/australia-post-to-buy-qantas-out-of-freight-group-startrack-express-in-400-million-deal/story-fndgp8b1-1226486162571 |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 December 2012 }}
</ref><ref name="Aust-Post">{{cite web|title = Australia Post finalises StarTrack acquisition|date = 14 November 2012|publisher = Australia Post|url = http://auspost.com.au/about-us/australia-post-finalises-startrack-acquisition.html|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121121095251/http://auspost.com.au/about-us/australia-post-finalises-startrack-acquisition.html|archive-date = 21 November 2012|url-status = dead|access-date = 31 August 2015}}</ref>

On 7 May 2014, StarTrack was rebranded to include Australia Post [[Post horn]] in the StarTrack blue colours. StarTrack also took responsibility of Australia Post's "Messenger Post couriers" under the StarTrack brand as "StarTrack Courier".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://auspost.com.au/about-us/rebrand-messenger-post-couriers.html |title=Rebranding of 'Messenger Post couriers' to 'StarTrack Courier' |access-date=9 May 2014 |publisher=Australia Post |date=7 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140510182229/http://auspost.com.au/about-us/rebrand-messenger-post-couriers.html |archive-date=10 May 2014 }}</ref>

== Letterboxes ==
Letter boxes for houses and [[condominium|unit]]s are mostly standard items bought from hardware stores.

Letterboxes for farms and sparsely located rural houses are often made from {{convert|44|impgal|L USgal|adj=on|order=out}} or smaller barrels. Such boxes were formerly numbered using the [[Rural Mail Box]] system, but they are now numbered according to distance travelled on a main road. For example, if your property's letter box is located {{convert|10.52|km}} from the start of the main road, your letter box number is ''1052''.  Rural letter boxes are located on the road and not the farm.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Remeikis |first1=Amy |title=No love for letters: Australia Post's daily deliveries under review as traditional mail declines |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/mar/02/no-love-for-letters-australia-posts-future-under-review-as-traditional-mail-declines |work=The Guardian |date=1 March 2023}}</ref>

== Criticism and controversies ==
Australia Post has had a long and difficult relationship with the [[Communication Workers Union of Australia|Communication Workers Union]].  In 2012, the union claimed that delivery contractors provided a poor parcel delivery service, especially during the peak Christmas period. Alleged shortcomings included a propensity to insert "delivery failure" cards into mailboxes rather than attempting delivery of packages, thus requiring the customer to travel to a post office to collect items personally.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ham |first=Larissa |date=2012-01-13 |title=Stamp out illegal posties: union |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald|Sydney Morning Herald]] |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/small-business/stamp-out-illegal-posties-union-20120113-1pylz.html |access-date=2025-10-13 }}</ref>

Complaints by individuals and the LPO Group<ref>{{cite web |title=LPOGroup |url=http://www.lpogroup.com.au}}</ref> about Australia Post's business practices in relation to its franchised retail outlets{{snd}}Licensed Post Offices (LPOs) and Community Postal Agencies{{snd}}resulted in the [[Australian Senate]] conducting an inquiry in 2014. The inquiry's unanimous report included recommendations for increased payments and the establishment of an independently chaired stakeholder forum.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://auspost.newsroom.com.au/Content/Default/Default/File/AustraliaPost-statement-LPO-Senate-Inquiry-377KB-PDF-/-3/-3/1138 | title=AustraliaPost-statement-LPO-Senate-Inquiry | publisher=AusPost | date=25 September 2014 | access-date=9 July 2015 | author=AusPost | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710060815/https://auspost.newsroom.com.au/Content/Default/Default/File/AustraliaPost-statement-LPO-Senate-Inquiry-377KB-PDF-/-3/-3/1138 | archive-date=10 July 2015 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://auspost.newsroom.com.au/Content/Home/02-Home/Article/Australia-Post-further-strengthens-its-regional-and-rural-Post-Office-network/-2/-2/6037 | title=Australia Post further strengthens its regional and rural Post Office network | publisher=AusPost | date=15 May 2015 | access-date=9 July 2015 | author=AusPost | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710031318/https://auspost.newsroom.com.au/Content/Home/02-Home/Article/Australia-Post-further-strengthens-its-regional-and-rural-Post-Office-network/-2/-2/6037 | archive-date=10 July 2015 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lpogroup.com.au/content/australia-post-senate-inquiry-report-tabled |title=Australia Post Senate Inquiry Report Tabled |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=26 May 2021 |website=LPO Group |access-date=14 November 2021 }}</ref>

In May 2015, Australia Post had a legal battle with [[Sendle]], a transnational courier using the slogan ''post without the office''. Australia Post claimed that the term was deceptively similar to their trademark and what they stand for. Sendle argued that there was no similarity and that in fact, they were differentiating from Australia Post. Two years were spent in the trademark dispute, which resulted in Sendle winning the case.<ref>{{cite news|title='Post without the office': Sendle wins trademark dispute with Australia Post|url=https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/other-industries/post-without-the-office-sendle-wins-trademark-dispute-with-australia-post/news-story/86101c5beabe1acfb737000f9221b9ab|work=[[News.com.au]]|date = 15 May 2017|access-date=31 July 2018}}</ref>

===2020 watch controversy===
On 2 November 2020, the CEO [[Christine Holgate]] announced resignation, due to increasing pressure from the Prime Minister [[Scott Morrison]] and Communications Minister [[Paul Fletcher (politician)|Paul Fletcher]] to investigate further into the gifting of four senior executives with the total of {{AUD|20,000}}, equivalent to {{AUD|{{Inflation|AU|20000|2020|r=0}}}} in {{Inflation/year|AU}}, worth of Cartier watches.<ref name="abc.net.au">{{Cite web|date=2020-11-02|title=AusPost CEO resigns, says purchase of luxury watches for executives didn't 'pass the pub test'|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-02/australia-post-ceo-christine-holgate-resigns/12839502|access-date=2020-11-02|website=www.abc.net.au|language=en-AU}}</ref> The watches were initially reported as {{AUD|3000}} each, tallying {{AUD|12,000}} on purchase. Ms Holgate argued that she did not regret the purchase, as its purpose was to "drive positive change" and "thank and reward positive behaviours".<ref name="abc.net.au"/> Increasing media attention also contributed to her decision, as it was causing much "debate and distraction" and was negatively impacting her health.<ref name="abc.net.au"/> She retorted, "I appreciate the optics of the gifts involved do not pass the '[[pub test]]' for many".<ref name="abc.net.au"/>

The reward was reportedly to tip the four senior executives who secured a deal in 2018, which allowed the customers of Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Westpac to do their banking at the post office.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-22|title=Australia Post boss stands aside after executives given $3k Cartier watch bonuses|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-22/australia-post-gifted-cartier-watches-executives-investigation/12802152|access-date=2020-11-02|website=www.abc.net.au|language=en-AU}}</ref>

During Senate Estimates hearing on 22 October 2020, Ms Holgate defended her decision, saying "We are a commercial organisation, it was a recommendation from our chair that these people get rewarded".{{quote without source |date=October 2025}} Australia Post is owned by the Australian Government, but is commercialised through corporatisation, and does not receive funding from the government.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hurst |first1=Daniel |title=Australia Post CEO stood down after revelation four managers got $3,000 Cartier watches |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/22/australia-post-chief-stood-down-after-revelation-four-managers-got-3000-cartier-watches |work=The Guardian |date=22 October 2020}}</ref>

== See also ==
<!-- New links in alphabetical order please -->
* [[Australia Post stamps and products]]
* [[House numbering#Australia and New Zealand|House numbering]]
* [[List of national postal services]]
* [[Mail]]
* [[Postage stamps and postal history of Australia]]
* [[Rural Mail Box]]
* [[Section 51(v) of the Constitution of Australia]], the section that covers postal services

== References ==
{{Reflist |30em}}

== External links ==
* {{official website|http://auspost.com.au/}}

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[[Category:Commonwealth Government-owned companies of Australia]]
[[Category:Companies based in Melbourne]]
[[Category:Logistics companies of Australia]]
[[Category:Postal organizations]]
[[Category:Postal system of Australia]]
[[Category:Retail companies of Australia]]
[[Category:1975 establishments in Australia]]