The European Union has called for postal monopolies in member countries to end by 2009. Some countries like France are resisting the move. Others like the Netherlands are happy. The Consumer Postal Council offers a good overview.
Since the Australian Federal Government relentlessly pursues best practice in terms of deregulation, what are their plans for Australia Post? Will the Government go the way of Europe and completely deregulate all postal services?
Currently, Australia Post is protected by its mail service exclusivity. While, through its Government owned outlets, it is busily taking retail sales from small businesses like newsagents it refuses to make postage stamps and other products and services available to those same newsagents on an equitable basis.
Complete deregulation along the lines of the European model would address the current unfair arrangements.