10 October 2007

Australia Post has launched its mail product range which will be available to all political parties and candidates during the 2007 federal election campaign.

“Our key objective is to provide non-partisan, effective and flexible products and services to every candidate in the best traditions of the democratic process,” said Australia Post’s Group Manager Letters, Allan Robinson.

Australia Post’s range of products varies from the most direct and effective way of personally communicating with voters - addressed mail, to other options that can suit more modest budgets - unaddressed mail.

Australia Post believes that all political candidates realise the power and credibility of communicating with voters via mail.  To ensure all candidates understand the different mail options available, Australia Post has created a website that also provides empirical data on how voters like to receive communications during an election campaign.

“Our website is designed to be a one-stop-shop so that all candidates and their staff have the information on our range of services at their fingertips,” said Mr Robinson.

“Importantly, research conducted by Australia Post* shows mail is the preferred media for voters receiving information from political parties,” he said.

”Paper based communications are less intrusive and more credible than other media.  Our study showed that 75 per cent of people who receive addressed election mail will read it.

“Addressed and unaddressed mail is the preferred option for known supporters of a particular candidate to receive promotional information.  The next in line were newspapers and television.

“Equally, non-supporters or those who might be sitting on the political fence also preferred both addressed and unaddressed mail,” Mr Robinson said.

Australia Post’s election site can be reached from the front page of auspost.com.au or via the following address http://www.auspost.com.au/election. Candidates from all political parties around Australia have also recently received an information pack that includes a copy of the research findings and contacts within Australia Post who can provide details on the mail services available and details of booking deadlines.  A copy of the pack can be downloaded from http://www.auspost.com.au/election.

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