Australia Post partners with Small Business Ombudsman to develop solution for perishable freight

The company announced on Thursday it will continue to ship perishable goods across the country and work collaboratively to find solutions to support small business food producers, with Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson.

The postal ban on perishable items caused outrage from small business owners across the country, with more than 14,000 people signing an online petition trying to convince Australia Post to abandon the move.

Related: Farm lobby group joins fight against food postal ban

Rodney Boys, Acting Group CEO & MD Australia Post, said this is an important and complex landscape that is best approached by working closely with customers, industry bodies and regulators.

"We recognise the original date for ceasing perishable transport through our network would cause significant disruption to small businesses, many who have experienced significant growth in eCommerce sales during COVID-19," Mr Boys said.

"Through this new forum, we will better understand what our customer capabilities and needs are and work hand-in-hand with regulators to determine, where changes may be required.

"I am so pleased Bruce Billson has agreed to co-chair this forum with Australia Post to develop a long-term, sustainable solution to support this growing eCommerce industry."

An industry working forum, to be co-chaired by Mr Billson, has been formed to resolve cross-state regulatory issues as part of Australia Post's commitment to support producers shipping perishable goods across the country.

The forum will also have representatives from industry bodies, the small business sector and producers to find possible solutions to the complex regulatory requirements for moving these goods through the delivery network.

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson said he's looking forward to working with Australia Post to ensure this essential service is available to small business food producers.

"We welcome this opportunity to work collaboratively with Australia Post to ensure small business food producers can continue to count on their delivery services," Mr Billson said.

"I am encouraged by the willingness of Australia Post and industry stakeholders to work together to help resolve any issues Australia Post is experiencing across its delivery network.

"So let's roll up our sleeves so that we can achieve a better outcome for e-commerce powered small businesses who rely on these essential postage services."

Australia Post will continue to ship perishable goods as this forum continues to convene, with the first meeting between Australia Post and the Ombudsman to occur Tuesday next week.

The broader industry group will then meet in May, with a view to hold regular sessions with key regulatory bodies, government agencies and eCommerce experts.