This inquiry has found there was political interference in the management of former CEO Christine Holgate and that Australia Post’s independence has been undermined by the actions of the board.
A restructure of the board is needed to restore independence and ensure this essential public service acts in the public interest, at all times, regardless of the political whims of government.
The committee found Ms Holgate was disgraced and humiliated by the PM and the shareholder ministers, and abandoned by the board. The prime minister’s overreach in the parliament sealed Ms Holgate’s fate.
Ms Holgate was denied natural justice, due process, and fair treatment and is owed an apology from Mr Morrison and his government.
The purchase of Cartier watches was unwise. However, the treatment of Ms Holgate by the prime minister and the Australia Post chairman was disproportionate and denied Ms Holgate of a fair process.
Throughout this investigation, the committee was concerned with the way the Australia Post board engaged with the inquiry and has serious concerns about the reliability of the evidence given by members of the board, including the chair.
Given the failings of the board in relation to the Holgate matter, the veracity of evidence given to the committee and the clear issues with protecting the independence and public ownership of Australia Post, the committee has resolved that the chair of the board should resign.
Australia Post should be independent of government and accountable to the parliament. It is concerning that the lack of independence of the board and close relationship of members of the board with the Liberal party means this has not been the case.
The committee has recommended a restructure of the board to include representatives of Australia Post workers, licensed post office holders and members of parliament. This restructure would ensure that Australia Post can function properly as a public enterprise and properly consult with some of its most important stakeholders, workers and LPOs.
The report makes numerous recommendations for work to be done to clean up the operation of Australia Post and prevent privatisation, brought to a head by the treatment of Ms Holgate. Most importantly, the culture of secrecy surrounding decisions relating to the future of Australia Post needs to end and the government needs to immediately publicly release the BCG report.
