The Printing Industries Association of Australia (PIAA) is investigating evidence of alleged anti-competitive practices by Australia Post, after complaints tendered to the Australian Competitions and Consumer Commission (ACCC) fell on deaf ears. Philip Andersen, PIAA national director, says members had contacted the association to express their concerns that Australia Post may be using cross subsidisation from the reserved services it provides to support low price quotes for its mail house activities in competition with private sector firms.
Concerns have also been raised that Australia Post may be offering general printing services at far below costs, and possibly offering services outside the Charter. If this is indeed true, it is a scenario that can only be detrimental to local printers.
"It has also been suggested that Australia Post, because of its monopoly position, is using privileged information to call on clients who lodge large volumes of mail and offer printing services in addition to advice on mailing," says Anderson.
The PIAA has already taken these issues to the ACCC, which declined to act because of a lack of industry evidence. In this vein, the PIAA has now taken the issue to the Australian Government Competitive Neutrality Complaints Office (AGCNCO), which may be able to include it with its major mail users inquiry currently being undertaken.
Anderson is calling for evidence to be lodged with the PIAA, which will be confidentially passed on to AGCNCO for its investigation. Companies are asked to contact Andersen at or by calling .
