Kellie Northwood, Visual Media Association (VMA) CEO calls out Australia Post’s draft proposal to increase stamp prices for ordinary small and large letters by 8.8% from mid-2026 as a ‘concerning lack of price discipline’.
Australia Post is currently proposing an 8.8% rise in stamp costs, with more rises set to follow in 2027 and 2028. VMA argues that this suggested price hike is wholly out of proportion with CP rises.
The VMA is the peak industry body representing Australia’s paper, print, packaging, publishing, mail and visual media sectors, an industry employing more than 230,000 Australians and contributing approximately $16.5 billion to the national economy.
Northwood says: "Australia’s print, publishing and mail sectors rely on a stable and affordable postal framework, with 76% agreeing that getting mail delivered is an essential part of society. So if Australia Post is asking Australians to pay more, it must also show how it is right-sizing the business, improving efficiency and investing in the technology and operational reform required to secure the long-term sustainability of the service.”
"CPI is currently around 3-4%, yet Australia Post is proposing an 8.8% increase and signalling ongoing double-digit rises for business mail, which are not aligned to inflation and are sporadic, high and unjustified in the current commercial environment. This pattern of pricing goes beyond normal CPI-linked adjustments and instead reflects a concerning lack of pricing discipline.”
Northwood continues: “This proposed increase, alongside indicative future rises in 2027 and 2028, requires careful scrutiny, particularly given Australia Post’s statutory monopoly in reserved letter services. The VMA is engaging constructively with both Australia Post and the ACCC to get this right.”
