Live: Federal government launches probe into future of Australia Post

Communications Minister Anika Wells says a parliamentary inquiry will examine whether Australia Post is keeping pace with Australians' needs for the future.

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Fri 30 Oct 2026 at 8:22amFri 30 Oct 2026 at 8:22am

Parliamentary probe into future of Australia Post

By Jack McKay

The Albanese government is launching a parliamentary inquiry in a bid to sure up the long-term viability of Australia Post.

The 217-year-old institution has faced challenges in recent times, with falling foot traffic at some post offices and a drop in letters.

Last financial year, there were about 1.42 billion letters sent through Australia post — but that was down 14.7 per cent from the year before.

Communications Minister Anika Wells says changing consumer behaviour and commercial conditions posed significant challenges to the sustainability of Australia Post.

"That's why I've asked the House committee to explore how we can better support a sustainable and accessible postal service that delivers for all Australians," she said.

An Australia Post spokesperson said it looked forward to engaging constructively in the inquiry.

"For several years, we have highlighted the growing challenges facing Australia Post, which are shared by postal organisations around the world," they said.

"We welcome the government's action to address these challenges and support our long-term sustainability."

The inquiry is due to report back by the middle of next year.

Fri 30 Oct 2026 at 7:55amFri 30 Oct 2026 at 7:55am

Good morning 👋

By Joshua Boscaini

Hello and welcome to our federal politics live blog. It's been a heck of a week — but we've made it to Friday.

I'm Holly Tregenza, joining you live from Parliament House in Canberra, here and ready to bring you all of today's federal politics news.