Senate hearing probes Australia Post's parcel monopoly and calls for competition

During a Senate inquiry, the Australian Parcels Industry Forum, which represents FedEx and Team Global Express, alleged that Australia Post's licensing arrangements stop privately owned post offices from offering parcel collection and returns for rival carriers. The forum highlighted that Australia Post controls roughly 70% of the national e-commerce parcel market and dominates more than 95% of regional deliveries, discouraging service improvements.

They cited examples such as the Darling Downs region in Queensland, where only 18 pick-up points are available for non-Australia Post carriers compared with 46 for the national service. Economic modelling presented to the committee suggested that granting access could yield $1.5 billion over ten years, add about 1,000 regional jobs and reduce final-mile costs. Australia Post responded that its mandated function is to deliver universal postal services, but it also must satisfy shareholder demands as its traditional mail volumes fall.