Team Global Express has reinstated parcel delivery services to numerous regional Tasmanian communities, including areas accessible to Eastern Shore residents, after a public outcry over changes that forced customers to collect packages hours away in Hobart. The decision reversal comes after ABC News reported on the significant inconvenience and costs incurred by residents who had paid for door-to-door delivery.
Previously, customers in localities such as Miena, Liawenee, Waddamana, Levendale, Tunnack, Brady’s Lake, Bronte Park, Derwent Bridge, Lake St Clair, Maydena, and Colebrook were informed via SMS that they had just seven days to collect their parcels from the company’s depot in Cambridge, located near Hobart Airport. This change meant that residents, many of whom live in remote areas, faced lengthy and costly round trips to retrieve their goods.
Michael Walls, a Miena resident, highlighted the severe impact, telling ABC News that a return journey to the Cambridge depot would take him approximately four hours. Similarly, Laurie Smyth from Colebrook recounted making a two-hour round trip to collect his cargo, despite the seller confirming they had paid for home delivery. Donna Barratt, who owns a cafe and accommodation business in Maydena, organised a petition signed by around 70 people, noting that some residents lack personal transport to make such trips.
Team Global Express initially attributed the service changes to operational difficulties for drivers, including challenging winter road conditions. However, following the widespread complaints and media attention, the company’s Executive Chair, Christine Holgate, flew to Tasmania to meet with affected residents, including Mr. Walls in Miena.
During her visit, Ms. Holgate confirmed the reversal of the decision and apologised to customers, explaining that the initial move to cease deliveries was made by local management in Tasmania without the knowledge of the national office. She further acknowledged that the true reason behind the service reduction was cost-cutting, rather than the previously stated driver safety concerns. A spokesperson for Team Global Express confirmed the reinstatement of services and expressed gratitude to Mr. Walls for bringing the issue to light.
Tasmania’s Consumer Affairs Minister, Guy Barnett, welcomed the restoration of services, emphasising the critical importance of reliable freight and parcel delivery for the viability and well-being of rural communities and small businesses across the state. The incident underscores the challenges faced by regional Tasmanians in accessing essential services and the power of community advocacy in prompting corporate accountability. Readers can find more details on the original ABC News report.