Senators take aim at Aus Post CEO during Senate Estimates after report of ‘doomsday’ financial losses

26th February 2015 Printing
Australia Post CEO Admed Fahour appeared at Senate Estimates yesterday in the hope to gain support for his vast amount of reforms. Instead it has been reported Mr Fahour received ‘a grilling’ from senators all expressing their concern over Australia Post’s management of its stakeholders consultation as it undergoes major restructuring.

 

Fahour has defended the company’s tactics mentioning some 345 meetings with stake holders over the last 12 months. However, stakeholders and unions say they are ‘just getting PowerPoints’ and one sided discussions.

 

The postal monopoly was also criticised for not implementing the 2014 inquiry recommendation to create a formal postal postal network strategy group that engages all stakeholders in the development of a comprehensive strategy to inform changes to the Australian Post network in the face of emerging challenges.

 

Ruston noted that many stakeholders had understood such a group would be created, though Fahour stated he believed Australia Post’s board should be the group to determine the corporation’s strategy on engaging stakeholders.

Printing Industries Association of Australia chief executive Bill Healy supports the inquiries recommendation,

 

“There needs to be an industry round table established involving all stakeholders, before any changes to the postal service are considered,” Mr Healey says.

 

The senators then went on to address Mr Fahour’s reluctance to meet with stakeholders as a group. Fahour suggested that because stakeholders held different interests, it would not be worthwhile meeting with them together, despite some requesting a joint meeting.

 

When the senators suggested the public were irritated by Australia Post’s recalcitrance in not meeting with the Communications Alliance, Fahour argued the public were more interested in the service they receive at the post office.

 

“I don’t think the public even know who the Comms Alliance is,” he responded. After discussing the issue at length, an exasperated Ruston told the CEO: “I can only say that we are trying to help you, Mr Fahour, and your resistance to it is astounding.”