Federal election: Update on postal policies

POAAL has been actively lobbying during the current federal election campaign on postal and small business matters. One of POAAL's main goals is to secure government funding for the installation of EPOS at manual Licensed Post Offices in rural communities. POAAL is also seeking commitments from the major parties on the ownership of Australia Post.POAAL's lobbying in the lead-up to the 2013 federal election has emphasised postal and small business matters that politicians can influence or change under the laws and regulations governing Australia Post. We have been diligent in avoiding presenting a grab-bag of wishes to political candidates that are outside the legislative and regulatory controls available to politicians in regard to Australia Post.With the election now under two weeks away, POAAL has received formal responses from The Nationals and from The Australian Greens.The Nationals have advised that they will support POAAL’s push to have small LPOs gain access to Australia Post's electronic point-of-sale network. The Nationals will consider the funding arrangements after they get a better picture of the state of federal finances, including an assessment of Australia Post’s ability to fund the program in its own right.The Australian Greens have written to POAAL, noting their support for the provision of technology such as EPOS to be installed in LPOs to ensure a high standard of service for rural LPOs.The Greens have also advised their support for Australia Post to remain owned by the Federal Government. Furthermore, the Greens stated their position that Boards should include members with knowledge and experience in the relevant industry and that appropriate criteria should be developed to ensure that the Board is qualified to provide oversight of the performance of functions and delivery of services.We are still waiting on complete responses from the ALP and the Liberal Party on their postal policies. Nonetheless, it is encouraging that the Nationals and the Australian Greens support the principle of installing EPOS technology in manual LPOs.POAAL's campaign for funding for EPOS at manual LPOs has been supported by many Licensees in this situation who have written letters to their local candidates and to the major parties. Thank you to those Licensees.