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Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Page: 4211

Australia Post: Loss of Mail

(Question No. 837)

Ms Marino asked the Minister representing the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, in writing, on 14 February 2012:

In respect of the Australia Post truck that was carrying letters and parcels from WA when it burst into flames in NSW on 18 December 2011:

(a) Can the Minister indicate what liability Australia Post has accepted for the loss of this mail;

(b) Will compensation be made available for people who can prove (i) that in all probability their parcels were on that truck, and (ii) the value of those parcels; and

(c) What information is Australia Post giving to people who call in relation to losses on that truck, and is the Minister aware of reports that such people are being given inconsistent information.

Mr Albanese: The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:

(a) Australia Post apologises for the disappointment and inconvenience caused by the loss of mail in the truck fire in December 2011. Parcels posted around 14 December 2011 from Western Australia to Queensland may have been impacted.

Compensation is payable in accordance with the type of service chosen by the sender. For customers who chose services such as "Registered Post" and/or

"Extra Cover", Australia Post is offering compensation and a refund of postage.

Customers who sent a parcel that may have been impacted by the fire can lodge their claims via the Australia Post website www.auspost.com.au, in person at a corporate post office or by calling its Customer Contact Centre (CCC) on 13 13 18.

(b) Customers that used Australia Post products such as Express Post, Express Post Platinum, Registered Post and eParcel with transit cover may be entitled to compensation if proof of value and proof of posting can be provided.

(c) All CCC staff have access to the same database that details information about the truck fire including which parcels may have been impacted and what customers need to do in order to lodge a claim for compensation.

Australia Post is not aware of complaints about "inconsistent information" and is more than happy to investigate any such complaints if Ms Marino is able to provide specific details.