General News Archive
Adelaide meeting - 11 November
Licensees are invited to a POAAL State Branch meeting in Adelaide on 11 November.
The meeting will be hosted by POAAL State Chairman Chris Campbell, and State Committee members will also be present, so bring along your questions!
Date: Tuesday 11 November 2008
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: Freedom Adelaide Meridien Hotel, 21-37 Melbourne St, North Adelaide
AUSTRAC's David Mackey will update Licensees on the changes to AUSTRAC requirements that come into effect from December.
This is not a repeat of the earlier AUSTRAC presentation in August. Nevertheless, David will be happy to answer any questions you may have on registration or compliance.
So join us for a cuppa and some Christmas cake at our meeting on Tuesday 11 November.
This meeting is free to current financial members of POAAL. There will be a charge of $33 to Licensees who have not paid membership for 2008/09.
Note: Expenses for attending this meeting, including travel and any meal, are tax deductible. Keep all receipts and documentation for tax purposes.
RSVP to the POAAL National Office by fax on 03 96544577.
Published on 3 November 2008
New Award rates
The Australian Fair Pay Commission has increased the standard Federal Minimum Wage and all Australian Pay and Classification Scales by $21.66 per week.
This applies to workers in all LPOs respondent to the Postal Services Industry Award. In addition the wage increases apply to all LPOs in Victoria where the predominant business of the LPO is the provision of postal services.
The decision takes effect from the first pay period on or after 1 October 2008.
These increases flow on to junior employees, employees to whom training arrangements apply, employees with a disability, casual employees and employees receiving basic piece rates of pay.
A summary of the new Award rates is available to download as a PDF.
For more information on the wage decision, visit the Australian Fair Pay Commission. website
Published on 1 October 2008
Have you completed your AUSTRAC documentation?
AUSTRAC has asked that Licensees complete their registration/compliance packages and return to AUSTRAC immediately. If Licensees have any queries then please contact the AUSTRAC Helpdesk for assistance on 1300 021 037.
AUSTRAC has advised POAAL that Licensees should complete their AUSTRAC documentation to the best of their ability. The key points to remember are:
1. Be honest in your answers - if you are following AP procedures then note that accordingly. If the answer to a question is "no" or "I don't know", then insert just that.
2. Ring the AUSTRAC helpdesk. If AUSTRAC is made aware of Licensees' major issues then that will be of assistance.
3. Don't delay!
AUSTRAC will be taking part in more POAAL meetings around the country, including the meeting in Brisbane in October. Make every effort to attend so that you can have your questions answered on the spot.
POAAL is continuing to work with AUSTRAC towards putting in place a simplified process that will be to the benefit of Licensees and AUSTRAC.
Published on 17 September 2008
Australia Post proposes changes to fuel price reviews
Australia Post has sent correspondence to all Contractors regarding changes to the way Australia Post will deal with fuel price reviews.
Australia Post is offering to reduce the threshold for fuel price reviews from 7% to 5%. This is a small positive step for Contractors.
Australia Post is also offering to use fuel indices for diesel and LPG (as appropriate) when performing fuel price reviews. This is long overdue, and POAAL is pleased that Australia Post has heeded POAAL's calls for fair dealings for Contractors who use diesel. As price rises for diesel outstripped price rises for ULP over recent years, Contractors who use diesel have been severely disadvantaged by Australia Post's fuel price review system.
POAAL's lobbying on behalf of Contractors has brought results over the years. During recent meetings with Federal MPs in Canberra, POAAL continued to push for automated monthly fuel price reviews. POAAL has also met with the Minister for Communications, Senator Stephen Conroy, to discuss the benefits of automated fuel price reviews.
Automated reviews would provide fairness and transparency, while assisting Australia Post in managing its costs.
POAAL will continue to work hard on behalf of Contractors.
Published on 2 September 2008
POAAL meets with Minister for Communications
POAAL representatives today met with Senator Conroy, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, to discuss issues affecting POAAL's Licensee, Mail Contractor and Franchisee members.
Matters discussed included:
- Automated monthly fuel price variations for Mail & Parcel Contractors
- AUSTRAC reporting and compliance
- Increase in the base postage rate
- Bank@Post
- Floor plans
- Australia Post's corporate and social responsibility strategy
above: Senator Conroy (centre) with POAAL Victorian State Chairman David Rees and CEO Ian Kerr
Published on 18 August 2008
AUSTRAC attends Melbourne meeting
At the Victorian Branch meeting in Melbourne on 14 August 2008 we were pleased to welcome AUSTRAC representative David Mackey.
David's presentation covered the background to the AML/CTF Act and the day-to-day implications for the Act in LPOs.
Licensees took the opportunity to ask many questions of David - his presentation didn't finish until 10pm as a result of extensive questioning from Licensees.
David will be speaking at more POAAL meetings around Australia, including the Adelaide meeting on Sunday 24 August.
above AUSTRAC's David Mackey (centre) with Colin Henson and Michael Golding.
Published on 16 August 2008
Fuel costs
The major issue facing Mail & Parcel Contractors across Australia is high fuel costs. Prices may have eased slightly recently, but this relief is likely to be only temporary. Contractors all over Australia have asked POAAL to lobby for the introduction of automated monthly fuel price reviews.
The current system for Clause 10 fuel price reviews does not provide the flexibility needed to help Contractors meet their day-to-day fuel costs. Waiting three months for the fuel price to vary by an average 7% is excessive and puts Contractors under too much financial pressure.
POAAL is lobbying for the introduction of automated monthly fuel price reviews. This way, Australia Post would vary the fuel cost component of the contract fee every month, according to the average monthly fuel price variation. No more paperwork, no waiting for Australia Post to approve a Clause 10 review. The system would be simple and fair.
Lobbying - you can help
POAAL has prepared a pro forma letter to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy. You can use this letter as the bases for your own letter to the Minister, pushing for the introduction of automated fuel price reviews.
Download: Pro forma letter (PDF 90kb)
POAAL will be meeting with the Minister very soon - please add your support.
Published on 8 August 2008
Application for Increase in Basic Domestic Postage Rate
In June, the ACCC released its preliminary view on Australia Post's application for an increase in the basic domestic postage rate.
POAAL has made another submission to the ACCC, this time in response to the ACCC's preliminary view.
POAAL's submission, along with Australia Post's submission, can be found at the ACCC website.
Published on 11 July 2008
Fuel Prices
Every Contractor is feeling the squeeze due to rising fuel prices.
POAAL is doing its bit to help by ramping up its lobbying on behalf of Contractors.
Your help is needed in making POAAL's lobbying effective. POAAL is focussing on fuel price reviews and taxation relief as two significant contributors to financial hardship for Contractors.
Send your thoughts, observations and suggestions to POAAL at:
POAAL
PO Box 190
CARLTON SOUTH VIC 3053
Or by fax to: 03 96544577
Published on 8 July 2008
AUSTRAC update
Despite offers by Australia Post and representations by POAAL, AUSTRAC has decided that Licensees will need to complete compliance reports. AUSTRAC has advised POAAL that Licensees will be circulated with information and forms, and that Australia Post will also be communicating with Licensees prior to the AUSTRAC material being sent out. Some Licensees may find all this paperwork a bit daunting, and if so please don't hesitate to get clarification from AUSTRAC.
It will mean extra work for some Licensees, which could be successfully and efficiently performed by AP's reporting processes. We will continue to monitor the situation and point out to the Government that the work can be performed by AP.
Published on 7 July 2008
Life Membership recipients
Long-serving POAAL SA/NT members Rod Row and Dennis Jenner were awarded Life Membership of POAAL at the POAAL meeting in Adelaide on Sunday 22 June.
Rod Row has served as a Committee member and as SA/NT State Chairman. He is possibly best known for his very popular column "Rod Row's Handy Hints" which appeared quarterly in Postal News. In addition to his Committee duties, Rod has run POAAL LiPOMS Workshops around Australia. Rod and Chris Row recently sold their post office.
Dennis Jenner also served as a Committee member and as State Chairman. Dennis has continued to serve on the POAAL Board and has also run a number of POAAL LiPOMS Workshops around Australia.
POAAL's current SA/NT State Chairman, Chris Campbell, was proud to present Rod and Dennis with their Life Memberships. Two worthy recipients.
Chris Campbell (centre) with Dennis Jenner and Rod Row
Published on 4 July 2008
Clause 10 review pro forma letter
POAAL has prepared a pro forma letter for Contractors to use when applying for a Clause 10 review of fuel costs.
Contractors may use the pro forma letter as a guide for writing to Australia Post to apply for a review of fuel costs under Clause 10 of the mail contract.
At Senate Estimates hearings last year, Australia Post gave a commitment to allow Contractors access to AP's fuel price data. This allows Contractors to calculate if and when to apply for a fuel price review under the terms of the mail contract.
Clause 10 pro forma letter (PDF 122Kb) 
Published on 26 June 2008
Application for Increase in Basic Domestic Postage Rate
As previously advised, POAAL made a submission to the ACCC supporting Australia Post's application for an increase in the basic postage rate of 50c.
The ACCC has now released its preliminary view and we can report that the ACCC supports the application for an increase.
POAAL will be making a further submission to the ACCC following the release of the its preliminary view.
The ACCC website contains Australia Post's original application, the POAAL submission, Australia Post's response and the ACCC Preliminary View.
Published on 24 June 2008
Proposed variation to LPO Agreement - update
Our thanks to those Licensees across three States who were quick to alert us to Australia Post's advice to Licensees regarding a proposed variation to the LPO Agreement.
This prompt action by Licensees enabled POAAL to seek legal advice and contact Australia Post without delay, pointing out the error of their ways in circulating this advice to Licensees.
Australia Post has agreed to write to the Licensees in those three States, advising them to destroy the original advice.
POAAL will be holding consultations in the near future with Australia Post.
POAAL will keep Licensees informed of any further developments.
Published on 23 June 2008
Proposed changes to LPO Agreement
Some Licensees may have received a letter from Australia Post in the last few days, proposing changes to their LPO Agreement.
These changes have not been agreed to by POAAL and we have contacted Australia Post in this regard.
Licensees should not do anything at this stage. POAAL will advise when consultations with AP are completed.
Published on 20 June 2008
Second chance draw - win $250 fuel!
Insurance brokers GWS Genco Group have announced that due to the success of the $1000 fuel promotion it will offer a second chance draw.
All Licensees and Contractors who take out POAAL membership and at least one insurance product listed on the POAAL membership form by 30 June 2008 will go into the draw to win a $250 fuel voucher.
And rest assured - if you renewed by 18 June but don't win the $1000, you will be eligible to win the $250.
Entries close 5pm (EST) 30 June 2008. Draw will take place in Melbourne on 1 July 2008. Winners will be notified by mail and their names published in Postal News, Q3 2008.
Published on 19 June 2008
Tasmanian Contractor meeting - this Sunday
A Meet 'n Eat for Mail & Parcel Contractors will be held in Devonport this Sunday.
Date: Sunday 22 June 2008
Time: 10:30am start followed by lunch
Venue: Molly Malone's, 34 Best Street, Devonport
Join with other Mail & Parcel Contractors for a coffee or tea (or hair of the dog!) at 10:30am followed by a pub lunch.
Please phone the POAAL National Office on 96544533 if you are able to attend. We need to advise the pub of numbers.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Published on 18 June 2008
Renew your insurance by 30 June 2008
POAAL master policy insurances, including public liability, personal accident, marine cargo and PDT insurance, expire on 1 July 2009.
To ensure that you and your mail contract are covered, renew your POAAL membership and insurance by 30 June 2008.
Return your form and payment early to ensure continuity of coverage.
Published on 17 June 2008
Report on NSW Branch meeting
Tuesday night's NSW Branch meeting in Sydney was excellent. Three AP senior Australia Post managers were present, including the State Manager Commercial. They spoke on the present and future of the LPO network, and listened intently to the input of Licensees present. They agreed that they went away from the meeting with some good ideas and a better understanding of Licensees' needs - especially related to prompt responses by AP, stock availability and distribution, and product margins.
The questions flowed from the assembled Licensees and after the close of the meeting at 11pm, the Australia Post representatives stayed on for at least another half an hour talking individually to Licensees.
There might have been some bleary eyes at work on Wednesday morning, however all Licensees present welcomed the opportunity to have input from AP at a senior level, and are looking forward to an update meeting in a few months' time.
above: Australia Post's Warren Jack with Licensees at the NSW meeting
Published on 12 June 2008
Carbon measurement for postal industry
A carbon management and measurement system for the postal industry has been launched. It will provide a common carbon measurement and reporting framework for the international postal industry.
The system has been launched by the International Postal Corporation (IPC), an association of national postal operators including Australia Post.
According to the IPC, the system "provides the postal industry with a transparent, scientific, sector specific carbon management and measurement system based on the requirements of international best practice standards, such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, DJSI, FTSE4Good, ISO 14001, and current best practice from the corporate environment."
It remains to be seen what impact this measurement system will have upon Licensees and Mail & Parcel Contractors.
Published on 3 June 2008
Tasmanian Licensee meeting - 15 June
Tasmanian Licensees are invited to a POAAL meeting in Launceston on Sunday 15 June.
Date: Sunday 15 June 2008
Time: 1:30pm start
Venue: Heather Hall, cnr Penquite Rd & Robin St, Newstead, Launceston
Join us for a Sunday afternoon of networking, learning and sharing. Meet fellow Licensees from all over Tasmania.
POAAL's Tasmanian Branch Chairman, Ricki Walker, will host the meeting to discuss current issues for Licensees.
Geoff Hyland from Australia Post will make a presentation on current postal matters. Geoff spoke at the recent POAAL National Conference, and we look forward to hearing the latest news from Geoff.
If possible, please RSVP to the POAAL National Office by Thursday 12 June if you are attending. Fax 96544577, phone 96544533.
Published on 30 May 2008
POAAL keeps it simple for you.
POAAL keeps it simple for you.
Public liability insurance at a great rate.
No filling in extra forms.
No paying for insurances you don't want.
It's easy - just include payment for Public & Products Liability insurance with your POAAL membership.
Want more? Insurance brokers GWS Genco Group offers POAAL members great rates on business pack and other insurance products.
And don't forget - pay your membership and insurance for 2008/09 before 16 June and you'll go into the draw to win $1000 fuel courtesy of GWS Genco Group.
For POAAL membership queries, including Public Liability insurance, contact:
POAAL National Office
Phone: (03) 96544533
For further insurance queries or for a quote contact:
GWS Genco Group
Phone: 1300 881 229
GWS Genco Group is proudly 100% Australian owned and operated.
Published on 29 May 2008
Security checks for subbies and employees
POAAL wrote to Australia Post regarding the slow turnaround for security checks for subcontractors and employees. Contractors had complained to POAAL that AP was taking longer than usual to process security checks for prospective subbies and staff, which in some cases resulted in those prospective subbies/staff finding employment elsewhere rather than waiting for the security check to be completed.
AP has responded to POAAL, noting that it was aware of some delays but that in its opinion there were now no delays to security checks.
AP has also stated that where security checks are subject to an undue delay it would allow the subbie/employee to commence pending the completed security check.
Published on 28 May 2008
Swiss Post launches parcel pick-up service
Swiss Post has launched a new parcel pick-up service.
Customers can book the service online. Swiss Post then collects the parcels from the nominated address. Customers can arrange for up to five parcels per day to be collected by this service.
The fee charged to the customer depends upon the number of parcels. The introductory rates are €2.80 for one parcel, €3.70 for two parcels and €5.55 for three to five parcels.
Published on 27 May 2008
Pay your insurance by instalments
Want to pay your insurance monthly?
Mail Contractors who take out insurances totalling over $700 with GWS Genco Group can apply to pay in monthly instalments.
Conditions and charges apply.
To apply, complete your POAAL membership form, noting the insurances you wish to take, and return the form along with your POAAL membership fee to the POAAL National Office.
If you have any queries, please contact the POAAL National Office by phone on (03) 96544533.
Published on 23 May 2008
POAAL Membership renewals
POAAL 2008/2009 membership renewals have been sent to all POAAL members.
Support your Association and renew your membership early.
A reply paid envelope has been included with your renewal notice for your convenience.
Win $1000 fuel!
Pay your 2008/2009 POAAL membership and one of the insurance products listed on the form by 18 June 2008 and go into the draw to win a $1000 fuel voucher courtesy of GWS Genco Group.
There are two vouchers available - one for Licensees and one for Mail & Parcel Contractors - for POAAL members paying their membership fee and insurance by 18 June 2008.
Entries close 5pm EST 18 June 2008. Draw will take place in Melbourne on 1 July 2008. Winners will be notified by mail and their names published in Postal News, Q3 2008.
Published on 22 May 2008
Adelaide meeting, Sunday 22 June
POAAL's SA/NT Branch will hold a meeting in Adelaide on Sunday 22 June.
Date: Sunday 22 June 2008
Time: 1:30pm
Venue: Najjar's Cafe, 21-23 O'Connell St (cnr Ward St), North Adelaide
POAAL's State Chairman, Chris Campbell, will report on recent State Consultative and Security meetings with Australia Post.
There will be an update on national issues from a POAAL National Office representative.
Rex Terp, Australia Post's new LPO Manager in SA will also make a presentation.
Meals are available at the Cafe prior to the meeting.
This meeting is free for current financial POAAL members. There will be a charge of $33 for unfinancial Licensees. Please show your POAAL membership card.
RSVP to the POAAL National Office by Monday 2 June by fax on 03 96544577.
Expenses for attending this meeting, including travel and meal costs, are tax deductible. Keep all receipts and documentation for tax purposes.
Published on 21 May 2008
Darwin LiPOMS Workshop - 15 June
POAAL's SA/NT Branch will hold a LiPOMS Workshop in Darwin in June.
When: Sunday 15 June 2008
Where: Darwin RSL Club, 27 Cavenagh St, Darwin
Time: 10:30am start
- Do you know how to check your LiPOMS Statement?
- Are you confident that you are receiving your correct entitlements each month on LiPOMS for mail-related work?
- Do you understand the LPO Payments Arrangement Scheme?
- Do you have a copy of your LiPOMS Data Collection Report?
POAAL's Dennis Jenner, who has experience in both Corporate and LPOs,
will lead a workshop and discussion on Annexure A of the LPO Agreement and LiPOMS payments.
This workshop is free to POAAL members - bring your POAAL membership card as proof of membership. Licensees who are not financial POAAL members will be charged a $33 fee, payable either in advance to the POAAL National Office or on the day.
RSVP to the POAAL National Office by fax on 03 96544577.
Australian Photographic Engineering will also be on hand, displaying their Digital Kiosk and Digital Passport System.
Meals are available at the RSL Club, ranging from $10 to $12.50.
Expenses for attending this meeting, including costs travelling to and fro, and any meal, are a tax deduction. Keep all receipts and documentation for tax purposes.
Published on 19 May 2008
WA Meeting - 4 June
POAAL's WA State Branch invites Licensees to a POAAL State Branch meeting in Perth.
Date: Wednesday 4 June 2008
Time: 7pm start
Venue: Kaos Room, Blue Room Theatre Artshouse, 53 James St, Northbridge
There will be a presentation by the Australian Tax Office entitled Tax updates for business. The presentation will include vital information on current taxation issues, cover common errors and give hints to assist Licensees meet their tax obligations.
POAAL's State Chairman John Fisher will report on recent State Consultative meetings with Australia Post.
There will also be an update on national matters for Licensees.
(There will be a meeting for Mail & Parcel Contractors preceding the Licensee meeting.)
This meeting is free to current financial POAAL members. The meeting will cost Licensees who are not current financial members of POAAL $33.
Tea and coffee will be available.
RSVP to the POAAL National Office by fax on 03 96544577 by Monday 2 June.
Published on 16 May 2008
SA inquiry into franchising
The South Australian State Government has released its report on franchising.
POAAL made a detailed submission to this inquiry.
Several recommendations were made, which will interest Licensees and Franchisees.
The report can be viewed at the SA Parliamentary website.
Published on 15 May 2008
World Postal Survey
This sixth World Postal Survey is now open. POAAL members are invited to take part and voice their opinions on the health and state of the postal world.
The survey has become a regular feature on the annual postal calendar as a barometer of confidence in the postal industry.
The World Postal Survey can be completed online.
Survey results will be announced in October.
Published on 13 May 2008
PO Boxes - large sizes
Following representations by POAAL, it is pleasing to report that Australia Post has agreed to permit Licensees to install two new box sizes: A4 and Jumbo.
The A4 size is approximately half the size of a large box, and the jumbo size is approximately the size of two large boxes.
Licensees who have a market for these boxes should apply to their Area Manager for approval to install them.
Published on 12 May 2008
Tasmanian Contractors meeting - postponed
The POAAL meeting for Mail Contractors has been postponed.
The new date and meeting details will be posted soon.
Published on 7 May 2008
Ballarat LiPOMS refresher - 22 May
After the success of last year's POAAL LiPOMS Workshop a follow-up LiPOMS session will be held in Ballarat.
Date: Thursday 22 May 2008
Time: 7pm - 9:30pm
Venue: Midlands Golf Club, Fairways Function Centre, Heinz Lane, Ballarat North
POAAL's Victorian Branch Chairman, David Rees, will host a LiPOMS refresher in Ballarat. David's experience through many years in the corporate and licensed sector gives him a helpful perspective on the intricacies of Licensee payments.
Bring along your monthly LiPOMS statement, your Annexure A, your June 2007 LiPOMS statement and your Data Collection Report - and a notebook! You might be one of the many Licensees who are being underpaid or missing out on payments for some of their postal and retail work.
Nino Ruscitti, from business brokers Blount Marlow Walsh will make a presentation on Preparing Your LPO For Sale.
Note: Expenses for attending this meeting, including costs travelling to and fro, and any meal, are a tax deduction. Keep all receipts and documentation for tax purposes.
Published on 6 May 2008
Geelong LiPOMS Workshop - 21 May
Due to popular demand, a POAAL LiPOMS Workshop will be held in Geelong.
Date: Wednesday 21 May 2008
Time: 7pm - 9:30pm
Venue: Geelong RSL Club, 50 Barwon Heads Rd, Belmont
POAAL's Victorian Branch Chairman, David Rees, will host the Geelong LiPOMS Workshop. David's experience through many years in the corporate and licensed sector gives him a helpful perspective on the intricacies of Licensee payments.
Bring along your monthly LiPOMS statement, your Annexure A, your June 2007 LiPOMS statement and your Data Collection Report - and a notebook! You might be one of the many Licensees who are being underpaid or missing out on payments for some of their postal and retail work.
Nino Ruscitti, from business brokers Blount Marlow Walsh will make a presentation on Preparing Your LPO For Sale.
Published on 5 May 2008
Brisbane Licensee meeting - 14 May
POAAL's Queensland State Branch invites all Licensees in the South-East Queensland area to a POAAL State Branch Meeting.
Date: 14 May 2008
Time: 7pm start
Venue: Coorparoo RSL Club (Galaxy Room), 45 Holdsworth St, Coorparoo
There will be a presentation by the Australian Taxation Office - Tax updates for business. The presentation will include vital information on current taxation issues, cover common errors and give hints to assist Licensees meet their tax obligations.
State Chairman Jenny Patroni will report on the Queensland State Consultative and Security meetings with Australia Post.
Australian Photographic Engineering will also be on hand, displaying their Digital Kiosk and Digital Passport System. This is a good opportunity to see some of the goods that were displayed at POAAL's National Conference in Launceston at Easter.
This meeting is free for paid-up POAAL members.
Bistro meals are available at the Club at reasonable prices. Bookings recommended - phone 3397 9955.
View Larger Map
Expenses for attending this meeting, including travel and meal costs, are tax deductible. Keep all receipts and documentation for tax purposes.
Published on 1 May 2008
Mackay Meet 'n Eat, 11 May
POAAL's Queensland Branch Chairman, Jenny Patroni, invites Licensees and Mail & Parcel Contractors to join her at a Meet 'n Eat function in Mackay.
Date: Saturday 11 May 2008
Time: 1pm
Venue: Grand Mercure Suites, 9 Gregory St, Mackay
Treat yourself (and your partner) to a tax-deductible lunch. There will be good food and lots of shop talk.
RSVP by 9am Thursday 8 May to the POAAL National Office by fax on 03 96544577 or by phone on 03 96544533.
For more details, please ring Jenny on 4950 3753.
Published on 23 April 2008
AP application for increase in postage rates
POAAL has made a submission to the ACCC in support of Australia Post's application to the ACCC for changes to some postage rates, including an increase in the base domestic postage rate.
If the increase in the base domestic rate is approved, some LPO payments will increase. Refer to your LPO Payment Scheme for details of the affected payments.
To read our submission, visit the ACCC website.
Published on 10 April 2008
LiPOMS Data Collection Report
Licensees should regularly check the LiPOMS Data Collection Report for their LPO. Data from this report is used to determine some LPO payments.
Do you have a copy of the LiPOMS Data Collection Report for your LPO?
If not, have you written to AP requesting a copy of your LiPOMS Data Collection Report? Section 12.6.1 of the LPO Operational & Accounting Procedures makes provision for Licensees to request this report from AP.
Licensees can download, free of charge, a pro forma letter that can be used to request a copy of the LiPOMS Data Collection Report for their LPO.
Data Collection Report pro forma letter (19Kb)
Published on 31 March 2008
Highlights of POAAL Conference Day 2
A visit to the State Parcel Centre and Australia Post's role in protecting Australia's borders were two of the highlights of Day 2 of the POAAL Conference.
Delegates visited two local LPOs prior to assembling at the State Parcel Centre in Kings Meadows for a guided tour. The tour covered not only operational aspects of the Centre but also some of the initiatives being undertaken locally to improve mail delivery performance. There was also an opportunity for delegates to put a pair of ULDs to good use!
A representative from AQIS gave a detailed presentation on the handling of inward international mail in Australia. Licensees and Contractors were given tips on how to identify suspicious mail items.
The Conference was a great success, and Delegates left with new business ideas, new business contacts, and new friends.
Published on 23 March 2008
Highlights of POAAL Conference Day 1
ACCC Small Business Commissioner John Martin and Postal Industry Ombudsman Prof John McMillan were two of the keynote speakers at day 1 of the POAAL Conference in Launceston.
Commissioner Martin spoke on a range of topics, including amendments to the disclosure provisions of the Franchising Code of Conduct, the ACCC's role in the regulation of AP's reserved services and its role in monitoring AP.
Professor McMillan outlined the role of the Postal Industry Ombudsman in helping resolve disputes. Some of the major causes for complaint were discussed. Prof McMillan noted that the most painful complaints are those that are badly handled and that good complaint handling is good business sense.
above: Geoff Hyland (middle) and Paul Letcher (right) with some Licensees from Queensland at the POAAL Conference
Paul Letcher from Australia Post spoke on some of AP's initiatives to source new and diverse income streams.
Sharon Johnston, from Corporate Property, spoke on some of the problems and solutions available to Licensees who may be negotiating leases.
In workshops for Contractors held today, two of the major issues raised were increasing fuel costs and the inconsistency of implementation of the rural numbering scheme.
The Conference closes tomorrow
Published on 22 March 2008
POAAL Conference kicks off in style
The 2008 POAAL Conference commenced this evening with an informal welcome reception at the Tasmanian Design Centre.
Delegates, exhibitors and guest speakers mingled amongst Tasmanian crafted works of art and design.
The Reception & Welcome function gave delegates an opportunity to meet and network in an informal setting. Many conference exhibitors were present, along with some of the conference's guest speakers.
above: The POAAL Conference Reception & Welcome Function
The Conference proper commences on Saturday 22 March, with a presentation from ACCC Small Business Commissioner John Martin.
Other speakers on day 1 of the Conference include Postal Industry Ombudsman Prof John McMillan, property consultant Sharon Johnston, superannuation and investment expert Ben Coxen and senior Australia Post representatives.
Published on 21 March 2008
POAAL meets with Shadow Minister for Small Business
POAAL representatives today met with the Shadow Minister for Small Business, Steven Ciobo MP, at the POAAL National Office.
The Shadow Minister was given an overview of the role of Licensees and Mail & Parcel Contractors and their small business needs. He is sympathetic to the issues facing small business owners, such as staffing and regulatory requirements.
He indicated that he is prepared to attend a POAAL Branch meeting and meet small business owners face-to-face.
above: Shadow Minister for Small Business, Steven Ciobo (right) pictured with POAAL CEO Ian Kerr.
Published on 27 February 2008
Meeting with new Minister for Communications
POAAL national representatives met today with the new Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy. Senator Conroy was re-briefed on the role of Licensees, Agents and Contractors and current matters of interest to them.
During his time as Shadow Minister for Communications, Senator Conroy was vocal in his commitment and interest in our members' business interests, and during our meeting with him today he reaffirmed his continuing interest in their circumstances now that he is Minister for Communications. POAAL welcomes this continuing commitment and will keep in regular contact with the Minister and his advisers, briefing them on matters pertinent to our members.
POAAL has invited the Minister to make a presentation at our national mini conference which is to be held over Easter in Tasmania, and he expressed his desire to attend, subject to other Ministerial commitments which may take priority. Licensees and Contractors who will be delegates at the conference would welcome the opportunity to meet and hear from the Minister, in particular his intentions regarding Australia Post and its LPO and contractor arms.
above: Minister for Communications Stephen Conroy, centre, pictured with POAAL CEO Ian Kerr (left) and POAAL Director Dennis Jenner.
Published on 8 February 2008
Are you tendering for a mail contract?
Are you tendering for a mail or parcel contract?
POAAL is a membership association that offers a range of services to Mail Contractors.
POAAL has published a short guide to some items you should take into consideration when tendering for an Australia Post mail contract.
If you are interested in pricing for public liability insurance, marine cargo insurance, personal accident insurance or PDT (general property) insurance, then please ring the staff at the POAAL National Office on (03) 96544533.
For information on pricing for workers compensation, vehicle insurance, sickness insurance, and a wide range of other insurances, please contact POAAL's insurance broker GWS Genco Group on 1300 881 229 or visit their website at www.gwsins.com.
MCP Group offers a range of services for Mail Contractors, including legal, finance and company advice. They offer excellent service at a price that will suit Mail Contractors' budgets. MCP Group may be able to help you with equipment financing, including vehicle finance. MCP Group also offer a service to set up incorporated companies, as required under the mail contract. For more information, please contact MCP Group on (03) 9620 2001 or visit their website at www.mcpgroup.com.au.
(Please note that POAAL does not give insurance advice. For advice on any insurance products, please contact insurance brokers GWS Genco Group on 1300 881 229.)
Published on 5 February 2008