The union says Australia Post’s troubles extend to the luxury watch’s past

The union representing postal workers says the entire leadership team in Australia should come under scrutiny, arguing that CEO Christine Holgate could become a scapegoat in an investigation into luxury watches.

The Australia Post announced Mrs. Holgate is stepping aside as the federal government investigates awarding $ 3,000 Cartier watches to four senior employees.

Liberal Senator James Patterson called on Mrs. Holgate to “read the room and go now,” but CEPU’s National Secretary Greg Rayner opposed.

“I am relieved if she is stepped aside and relieved of her duties,” said Rainer.

“But I don’t think it was Kristen Holgate alone. And I have a little bit of sympathy for Kristen because she might have started it all.”

Mr. Rainer argued that the federal government had ignored broader problems at The Australian Post, including the growing pressure on postal workers, and suggested that the entire board of directors be set aside during the investigation.

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Board of Directors to “full cooperation”

In a statement, Australian Post Chairman Lucio de Bartolomeo said the board and management team would cooperate fully with the investigation being conducted by the Ministries of Finance and Communications with the assistance of an outside law firm.

“We remain committed to providing services to our important stakeholders – our employees, our partners in the post office, our customers and the community,” he said.

“Christine Holgate, Group CEO and General Manager, will step aside during the investigation. During this time, Rodney Boyce, CFO will assume a role in the position.”

The investigation will look into the role of board members and is expected to submit a report to the cabinet within four weeks.

Shadow Communications Minister Michelle Roland called on the federal government to publish the results.

“We need confidence in this process, and we need confidence in these results, and this trust is directly in the hands of the government to achieve this,” she said.

“How can the Australian public trust this process if its results are not made public?”