Post under fire over fee increase

Australia Post will increase its fuel surcharge on parcel services from the beginning of June, blaming volatile fuel prices.

The domestic parcel sending and StarTrack Surcharge will rise from 12 to 19.5 per cent.

This comes despite a recent stabilising in fuel prices, which are continuing to fall to well under two dollars for unleaded petrol across much of the country.

Local Liberal senator Sarah Henderson says it’s unacceptable.

“How can Australia Post and the government – who effectively run the Australia Post – stand by and do nothing when small businesses need so much help?” she said.

“The government should be doing everything to ensure Australia Post, as a taxpayer-funded enterprise, acts in the national interest during times of crisis.”