Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Hansard source

asked the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, upon notice, on 27 June 2012:

With reference to Australia Post franchises:

(1) Does Australia Post supply a separate management stream for franchises, or are they now grouped under the Licensed Post Office (LPO) management stream.

(2) Was a separate management structure promised by Australia Post.

(3) Did Australia Post:

(a) approach financiers with a business model; and

(b) receive 'Accredited Franchise Status' from major banks; if so, which banks, and what process did Australia Post go through to receive that accreditation.

(4) Is Australia Post required to go through an annual review with the banks in question to continue that accreditation.

(5) Has the corporation sought to continue these accreditations.

(6) Since the signing of the current Fair Work Agreement, have further franchises opened; if so, can a detailed explanation be provided about what agreements, either formal or informal, exist with employee unions in regard to franchising.

(7) Has Australia Post provided information to franchisees regarding agreement negotiations and their outcomes.

(8) Can a copy of the current Retail Conversion Policy with employee unions be provided, as well as an explanation of how this policy affects the franchised PostShop model.

(9) When did the previous formal agreement between Australia Post and employee unions, in place prior to the current Fair Work Agreement, expire.

(10) Were there any clauses in the previous agreement that related specifically to the franchised PostShop model.

(11) Did Australia Post provide information to prospective franchisees through the interview and application process that it had formal agreements in place with its employee unions, and that these may prevent expansion of the franchise network to 150 outlets.

(12) Have Australia Post managers tasked with the sale of these franchises received any performance bonuses or other benefits on the sale of a franchise.

(13) Under the Future Ready program, are Australia Post managers in receipt of any performance bonuses in relation to cost savings achieved.

(14) Given that there appears to be increasing doubt among franchisees over the intentions of Australia Post for the end of the franchise agreements, can an elaboration be provided on the answer supplied by Ms Corbett at the 2011-12 Senate additional estimates hearing of the Environment and Communications Committee.

(15) Will franchisees be offered a renewal of their agreements.