Editing Australia Post (section)

===2020 watch controversy===

On 2 November 2020, the CEO [[Christine Holgate]] announced resignation, due to increasing pressure from the Prime Minister [[Scott Morrison]] and Communications Minister [[Paul Fletcher (politician)|Paul Fletcher]] to investigate further into the gifting of four senior executives with the total of $20,000 AUD worth of Cartier watches.<ref name="abc.net.au">{{Cite web|date=2020-11-02|title=AusPost CEO resigns, says purchase of luxury watches for executives didn't 'pass the pub test'|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-02/australia-post-ceo-christine-holgate-resigns/12839502|access-date=2020-11-02|website=www.abc.net.au|language=en-AU}}</ref> The watches were initially reported as $3000 each, tallying $12,000 AUD on purchase. Ms Holgate argued that she did not regret the purchase, as its purpose was to ''"drive positive change"'' and ''"thank and reward positive behaviours".'' Increasing media attention also contributed to her decision, as it was causing much ''"debate and distraction"'' and was negatively impacting her health. She retorted, "I appreciate the optics of the gifts involved do not pass the '[[pub test]]' for many".<ref name="abc.net.au"/>

The reward was reportedly to tip the 4 senior executives who secured a deal in 2018, which allowed the customers of Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Westpac to do their banking at the post office.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-22|title=Australia Post boss stands aside after executives given $3k Cartier watch bonuses|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-22/australia-post-gifted-cartier-watches-executives-investigation/12802152|access-date=2020-11-02|website=www.abc.net.au|language=en-AU}}</ref>

During Senate Estimates hearing on 22 October 2020, Ms Holgate defended her decision, saying ''"We are a commercial organisation, it was a recommendation from our chair that these people get rewarded"''. Australia Post is owned by the Australian Government, but is commercialised through corporatisation, and does not receive funding from the government.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hurst |first1=Daniel |title=Australia Post CEO stood down after revelation four managers got $3,000 Cartier watches |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/22/australia-post-chief-stood-down-after-revelation-four-managers-got-3000-cartier-watches |work=The Guardian |date=22 October 2020}}</ref>