Governance arrangements

Australia Post

Australia Post is responsible for its own day-to-day operations. Its Board of Directors determines objectives, strategies and policies and ensures that Australia Post performs its functions in a proper, efficient and economic manner.

Specific planning and accountability responsibilities of the Board include the preparation of rolling three year corporate plans, annual reports, quarterly reports and financial statements. The Board is required to present these to the shareholder ministers and to keep those ministers informed of significant developments affecting the operations and performance of Australia Post.

The Australia Post website has further information about its role here.

See more details in the Australia Post annual report.

Government/Minister

The Australian Government's role in relation to Australia Post is mainly restricted to determining the broad strategic policy framework and goals for Australia Post, in consultation with the Board of Directors. The Government is not involved in the day-to-day running of Australia Post and therefore, has no involvement in matters such as the location of individual post offices, or general mailing issues.

The Minister has limited powers to direct Australia Post. For example, the Minster may direct the Board in relation to the performance of Australia Post's functions if this is considered necessary in the public interest. The Government does, however, exercise general oversight of Australia Post through several planning and accountability mechanisms including:

• appointment of members of the Board;
• directions powers;
• reporting requirements; and
• approving the level of dividend payment.

The relevant Departments have a joint shareholder role in advising and monitoring the financial performance of Australia Post. See information about the Governance Arrangements for Commonwealth Government Business Enterprises.

• Document ID: 31502 |
• Last modified: 18 August 2008, 11:20am