The proposed class action that is currently attracting attention has not been instigated, nor will it be supported, by the current Board of LPOG.

As Directors of the LPOGroup our duty is to ensure that we act in the best interest of our members; this duty of care extends to securing the best long term viable and sustainable LPO network structure for LPOG members, a fairer and more robust future license agreement for LPOG members, fair and reasonable payment rates for services provided with structured increases set by industry benchmarks for LPOG members, improved member's welfare and to foster communication between all stakeholders.

Excellent news from APLAC, and Australia Post, for Licensees in regard to ARA membership. Australia Post has done a group deal for Licensees, and paid membership for all Licensees.

http://retail.org.au/

As from the 1 March 2017 all Licensee will have full membership to the Australian Retailer Association. The Association communicates with members via email, and Licensees will need to provide an email address to receive these updates. However it is not mandatory, and Licensees will still be able to access the services regardless of not providing an email address. 

ARA is an association that exclusively supports retailers in the Australian marketplace. ARA provides marketing advice and training, governance advice and many other vital services, and Australia Post recognises that this support for Licensees in the retail environment, is a great way to provide excellent and qualified retail support for Licensees in our challenging times, rather than our network support staff being expected to provide all the answers to our questions.   

Terry Ashcroft's 2016 newsletter is just about to hit NSW LPOs.

For those of you not in NSW here is the online version.

ASHCROFT 2017.pdf                Ashcroft Calander 2017.pdf

will be available again for the 2017 renewal cycle. Notification has gone out to LPOs of the offer, with an opt - in notification to be returned to AP by early Jan 2017, if you want to receive the advance payment.

40% of the total POB payment you received for the 2016 renewal cycle, will be available if you wish to take up the offer.

Not sure there is anything to add to this LPO nightmare!

http://www.smh.com.au/business/retail/woolworths-confirms-holly-kramer-t...

With the Passport Processing contract up for renewal in June 2017, there has been a lot of work done in looking at ways to increase the efficiency and compliance levels of outlets who are accredited to process passport applications. Passport processing is a very important revenue stream for many LPOs, and Australia Post. The loss of this work would be detrimental to the whole business, and it must not be taken lightly. As Licensees, we expect Australia Post to maximise the potential for us to make a living.

No doubt this news will be filtering through to many Licensees via the local news outlets now. It may have been delivered via the internal messaging system too. 

WoW announcement_Final media release.pdf

LPOG Members need to log in to join the LPOG discussion on this topic. Information is being shared by LPOG members and that is the best method to understand these changes.

Australia Post and MailPlus have combined to form an aggressive new competitor for LPOs. From 14th Nov, Australia Post will allow the supply of almost the full range of postal products direct to the MailPlus business, to allow the MailPlus franchisees to sell and deliver direct to what used to be our old customers. For a fraction of the cost of purchasing an LPO, MP franchisees will now have a fully kitted out PO, on wheels.