SYKES – BATS FOR POSTIES ON PETROL PRICES

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, has gone into bat for Australia Post mail contractors by asking Australia Post to change their contracts to better accommodate sky rocketing fuel prices.

Dr Sykes said, “Mail delivery contracts include a fuel price component. There are two aspects which local mail delivery contractors have asked my help with.

“Firstly, the fuel price component is set on Melbourne prices – apparently not recognising the higher cost of fuel or the higher volatility of fuel prices in country Victoria.

“Secondly, contracts are only reviewed every three months. With fuel prices increasing at the rate they have been, country mail delivery contractors carry substantial increases in fuel costs for too long.

“The situation seems extremely unjust for all delivery contractors, particularly country contractors. Those delivering in country areas face higher fuel prices and, I suspect, use more fuel.

“I have asked Nationals Senator, Julian McGauran, to raise the issue in Canberra.

“At the same time I have spoken directly to Australia Post, in Melbourne, who have explained to me their current policies and are now considering my request to review contracts more frequently in recognition of the very rapid rate of fuel price increases at the moment and to base contract rates on local fuel prices rather than Melbourne prices.

“Mansfield, Jamieson and Woods Point residents will remember the success that we recently had with Australia Post responding to concerns about intended changes to their mail run.

“I am optimistic that Australia Post will this time listen to country mail delivery contractors and modify their contracts to ensure that they make a reasonable return for providing the essential service of delivering mail to country people.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989