Click here to go to the survey.

Australia Post is proposing to increase the basic postage rate from 55c to 60c, and increase the prices of large ordinary, small ordinary, small PreSort and large PreSort letters. The new pricing would take effect on 28 June.

Last December, industry bodies were successful in opposing a letter price rise after the ACCC blocked Australia Post’s proposed 5c increase.

However, Australia Post has again provided the ACCC with a price notification proposing to increase its prices. The ACCC is now calling for industry submissions on the price notification.

Printing Industries has said a rate rise would have a negative impact on the printing and associated industries, and drive customers to alternative communication channels such as electronic marketing.

The industry body has reiterated its claim that Australia Post needs to reduce its operational costs instead of passing its costs to its clients.

Printing Industries chief executive Philip Andersen (pictured) said: “Our industry has demonstrated time and time again that improvements in operational efficiency and productivity gains flowing from investments in new technology are possible and this should be the business philosophy that Australia Post adopts rather than opting for the quick fix of raising prices for its services.

Hagop Tchamkertenian, Printing Industries national manager for policy and government affairs, said the online survey would help the association gather data to aid its petition to the ACCC.

“I am interested in finding out what the economic and financial impact of the 2010 price notification will have on the printing industry market segment,” said Tchamkertenian.

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