Morgan BellWhat is going on with Australia Post?
June 9th 2010 03:34
I have a gripe, a small complaint.
Well, it seemed like a big deal at the time because it caused undue frustration.
When did Australia Post stop certifying documents and keeping JPs on staff?
It seems like one of the most important functions of the post office. I don't know why the shift towards flogging retail goods has been at the expense of the functionality of the post office. I would rather have an old-fashioned post office than a post office "shop". Because, if the post office is not performing these civic services then who is?
I recently took on the arduous task of consolidating my superannuation fund money to draw part of it out. Part of this process is have a Statutory Declaration signed by a Justice of the Peace, and a certified copy of your identification. The instructions on the form even tell you that Australia Post is an option to get these tasks completed.
Ever since I was a kid going to the post office with my mum I knew that Australia Post was like a modern day notary and communication hub. You could send and receive faxes, photocopy documents, and get documents witnessed.
When I took my super forms in I was told they had no JPs on staff, they had no photocopier to certify ID, but if you provided a photocopy they could stamp it certified for $4 per page. I found myself asking around in banks and real estates trying to source a JP and had to find a newsagent to photocopy.
I want the old post office back, the post office that helps people and provides actual convenience.
I think this is one of those defining moments where you realise you are old. I am complaining about the post office and lamenting about the benefits of the old days.
Did you know stamps are now 55 cents???? haha
Well, it seemed like a big deal at the time because it caused undue frustration.
When did Australia Post stop certifying documents and keeping JPs on staff?
It seems like one of the most important functions of the post office. I don't know why the shift towards flogging retail goods has been at the expense of the functionality of the post office. I would rather have an old-fashioned post office than a post office "shop". Because, if the post office is not performing these civic services then who is?
I recently took on the arduous task of consolidating my superannuation fund money to draw part of it out. Part of this process is have a Statutory Declaration signed by a Justice of the Peace, and a certified copy of your identification. The instructions on the form even tell you that Australia Post is an option to get these tasks completed.
Ever since I was a kid going to the post office with my mum I knew that Australia Post was like a modern day notary and communication hub. You could send and receive faxes, photocopy documents, and get documents witnessed.
When I took my super forms in I was told they had no JPs on staff, they had no photocopier to certify ID, but if you provided a photocopy they could stamp it certified for $4 per page. I found myself asking around in banks and real estates trying to source a JP and had to find a newsagent to photocopy.
I want the old post office back, the post office that helps people and provides actual convenience.
I think this is one of those defining moments where you realise you are old. I am complaining about the post office and lamenting about the benefits of the old days.
Did you know stamps are now 55 cents???? haha
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Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
And yes, stamps, 55c! The cheek...! They'll be a dollar before we know it though and then we'll reflect whimsically on the days when they were but 55c.
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
They got rid of over 60% of JP's overnight almost about 2 years ago - when eligibility was tightened up.
Fortunately (or not) I retained my status - but it is certainly getting harder to track a JP down when you need one.
Comment by tabitha
Tech Whore
Comment by Janet Collins
Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
Good post. Australia Post, I do agree, have changed and they are almost unrecognisable now. It is probably a lot easier to find a JP either in a police station (that is if you can find one) or a real estate office (believe it or not). There always used to be a JP in a bank too but I don't know if that is still the case.
On the photocopying issue, I think public libraries are about the cheapest too. And yes, stamps crept up to 55c quite a while ago and they have just got the go ahead to raise the price to 60c so they will be that soon.
I miss the old post offices too. They started becoming mini newsagents selling stationery and all that sort of stuff. Now they are like general stores. The service part has just become a sideline.
I always enjoy reading your posts but I have been a little "missing in action" due to other commitments lately and just popping in and out of Orble.
I hope to get a little more active soon.
Janet
Comment by ShaunK
Screen Adventure
Comment by Anonymous
But then, I don't belong to the gay community, so my head is clear.