The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today issued its preliminary view not to oppose the prices proposed for a new service to be introduced by Australia Post. The ACCC now calls for submissions on this view.
The proposed new service is called Impact Mail and will allow the postage of bulk quantities of irregular shaped (non-rectangular) direct marketing mail.
An ACCC Commissioner, John Martin, said Australia Post is required to lodge a price notification under Section 95Z(5) of the Trade Practices Act 1974 because the Impact Mail service falls within the definition of Australia Post's reserved services.
"Reserved postal services are declared under Part VIIA of the Trade Practices Act 1974", he said. “This means Australia Post must notify the ACCC before it can introduce the Impact Mail service. The ACCC is responsible for assessing the proposed price to determine whether it is appropriate.
"The ACCC reached its preliminary view after considering information provided by Australia Post and submissions from interested parties.
"The ACCC's preliminary view is to not object to the proposed prices, but interested parties have another opportunity to comment before the ACCC makes a final decision".
Submissions should be made by 5 pm, Thursday 23 September 2004 to Mr John Laughlin, ACCC, GPO Box 520J, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001.
Once any additional submissions have been considered, and a formal price notification lodged by Australia Post, the ACCC will issue its final view.