[Dallas McConnell]

Hi All,

Interested to know if anyone is charging a fee to those ratepayers who receive bills in the post?
Have you considered it? If you have, why did/didnt you proceed with it?

At the Gong, we are at about 22%ish (which we have been at for several years now) email delivery and our Australia Post, postage costs this years are going to go well over 300K. I understand it may come across as targeting the elderly but could have an exemption in fees and charges or policy where a rebate is on the property…

Happy to hear on peoples thoughts in this space?

Regards,
Dallas

[David Grima]

Interesting concept Dallas.

I am old school and can’t comprehend billing someone to receive a bill, just the same as most Councils charge ratepayers to pay a notice (via the old credit card service fee).

[Dallas McConnell]

Thanks Dave

I think there are lots of things to consider.
How much of an administrative burden is to maintain…
Will it drive electronic registrations?
I dont think it makes it a charge to appear on the section 603 certificate, then do you write it off etc

I think Telstra charge $2.50 and my banking institution charges a $5 paper statement charge.

[Trevor Holland]

G’day Dallas

Yep. An interesting idea.

My question would be, what legislation would allow us to do this.

The backlash from your community. Could be seen as discriminating against the elderly who don’t have access or wish to use technology.

Administratively. Would aww it as being difficult and could require additional resources. Especially having to adjust whenever a Section 603 Certificate is issued.

Agree with David’s comments and would not support this idea.

Regards
Trevor

[Suzi Flynn]

Hi Dallas,
I don’t believe you can legally recover such a fee on the Rate Notice.
Suzi

[Robert Hay]

Hi Dallas

I agree with Suzi such a fee could not be recovered on the Rate Notice, refer to sections 501, 502,535 and 550 of the Act and Sections 127 and 128 of the Regulations for why it’s a nonstarter.

Robert

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