Howls of protest are expected from publishers following Australia Post’s decision to increase prices for most of its mail services – with the exception of the politically-sensitive letter rate – giving only a month’s notice. Print Post will increase by an average 3.6 per cent, unaddressed mail by four per cent and international letters by an average of 3.2 per cent under the increases announced on June 1. NSW/ACT commercial manager Mark Warren says the increases – effective July 6 – are needed to cover transportation and processing cost increases, but the explanation has failed to convince major users. Sydney and Melbourne mailing house D&D Mailing says it will be taking up the issue of notice with Australia Post: “This increase has not been canvassed with major customers and we find it amazing that in the current economic climate in Australia that Australia Post can simply increase their rates with limited notice to customers,” says D&D’s Jennifer Shaw. Customers have been invited to provide their comments for inclusion in a letter of protest to Australia Post. Until there’s a viable delivery alternative for publishers to the Australia Post monopoly, it’s unlikely to have much effect.