Australia Post has taken up the Small Business Ombudsman Bruce Billson’s offer to work together to collaboratively find a solution to the issue of shipping perishable foods, the delivery firm announced today.
Through an industry working forum to be chaired by Bilson, the business hopes to resolve the cross-state regulatory issues it cited when initially stating it would stop shipping perishable goods.
Australia Post’s 30th June deadline to stop shipping these goods has been tabled until a better solution can be agreed on by the forum – as was recommended yesterday by Billson.
“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,” said Australia Post acting group chief executive Rodney Boys.
“I am so pleased Bruce Billson has agreed to co-chair this forum with Australia Post to develop long-term, sustainable solutions to support this growing e-commerce community.”
Billson said he welcomed the opportunity to work together with the delivery service to ensure small business owners and food producers can keep their businesses afloat.
“It was not right to unilaterally declare an end to vital delivery services to the detriment of these small businesses and the customers who depend on them,” Bilson said.
“Australia Post is doing the right thing for its small business customers buy reversing this decision. Now is the time to be working together to identify what the problems are and to find solutions to make a pathway forward.”
The forum will begin meeting in May.
