Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Senator O'Sullivan said, 'It's a disgrace.' He is a very kind man. Mr Ian Kerr, the head of POAAL, was one of the most underwhelming and hapless witnesses I have ever seen in my six years in this Senate. He was hopeless, and I have got to say that he does not reflect well on his organisation. They did not provide documents in response to the reasonable requests that were driven by Senator O'Sullivan. I would strongly suggest to anyone listening, who is a post office owner or post office licensee and a member of POAAL, to consider seriously leaving that organisation and joining the rival LPO group who do a much better job in advocating for their members. Mr Kerr needs to stand judged for the way that he simply ignored the committee and treated the committee in a way that verged on contempt.

The way Australia Post has treated mail houses is very disturbing, given that direct mail is still a very fine form of marketing. They bumped up the rates without reference to the ACCC as it is no longer required, but it should be required in the future. It does not make sense. Direct mail is still a very good form of marketing and Australia Post seems to be crawling away from one form of mail that is still very viable for them. But mail houses are walking away from Australia Post because of the way they have been treated by them.

The serious and difficult circumstances that so many LPOs and franchisees are facing cannot be understated. They cannot be ignored by this government. Unless there is urgent remedial action, the personal and community consequences will be enormous. The government cannot afford to sit on these recommendations. To do so would be equivalent to that old adage that 'the cheque is in the mail'. This must be fixed as a matter of urgency.

I seek leave to continue my remarks.

Leave granted.