Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) is the secretariat to the E-Commerce Reference Group (ECRG) comprising major marketplaces Alibaba, e-Bay and Amazon.
In a formal submission to the current Senate Inquiry The Future of Australia Post's Service Delivery, the ECRG acknowledged that the future of Australia Post's service delivery is critical in terms of impacts on its workforce, businesses customers and support to the Australian community.
The ECRG sees merit in the Federal Government change made in April 2020 (to be reviewed in June 2021) allowing Australia Post to focus on parcel deliveries.
In a time of extreme need, this approach is seen as a pragmatic solution and an appropriate policy outcome. The need for an extended arrangement is highlighted by the COVID-19 outbreak currently being experienced in Victoria (and now New South Wales) and must be maintained.
In the event of future shutdowns, an efficient parcel delivery service will be crucial to maintaining retail business, delivery of essential goods, and to the extent possible, a normal way of life.Paul Zalai - Director and Co-Founder, FTA / Secretariat, APSA