The long-term performance of a utility: The case of the Australian Post Office

Abstract

Recent Internet-induced declines in mail volumes have put at risk the profitability of Australia’s most enduring government business enterprise, Australia Post. The post office after its reform in the 1970s and 1980s was a strongly performing enterprise. This article observes the long-term performance of the industry since 1901. In particular, the growth in demand, productivity growth, as well as prices, and profits are presented over the longer term.