AUSTRALIA POST AND BILL EXPRESS

In reply to Mr GRIFFITHS (Goyder) (27 June 2008).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy): I am advised:

The transaction fees for over the counter services are established by a head contract managed by the Department of Treasury and Finance. Agencies maintain separate purchase order arrangements with approved providers that can vary some conditions of service delivery but not the base transaction fee.

The fee paid to Australia Post for vehicle registration renewals in 2007-08 was $1.30 per transaction (GST exclusive). The Department of Treasury and Finance has not yet advised of the new fee for 2008-09.

The fee paid to Bill Express in 2007-08 was $0.99 per transaction (GST exclusive). This fee will remain fixed in 2008-09.

In addition, merchant card fees in relation to payments made on credit card through Australia Post and Bill Express are reimbursed at rates negotiated by the Department of Treasury and Finance under the same head contract.