Delayed contract reviews

Australia Post has admitted that it has been unfairly delaying contract reviews.Contractors will recall that AP has previously delayed the performance of contract reviews (including fuel price reviews) pending provision by the Contractor of proof of insurance. The mail contract does not require Contractors to provide proof of insurance as a prerequisite to the performance of any contract reviews.POAAL had brought this matter to the attention of the Minister for Communications, IT & the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan. The Minister has responded, advising that AP had informed her that AP has previously withheld contract reviews as a method of obtaining the required insurance information.AP has now advised the Minister that it will cease this action. No commitment has been made yet by AP regarding backpay for those Contractors whose contract reviews have been delayed.Contractors should be aware that under the terms of the mail contract they must provide proof of insurance to Australia Post. Failure to do so could result in a breach of contract notice being issued.Refer to the insurance section of the POAAL website for more information on insurance services available to POAAL members.