Latest news with #AustraliaPost
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Strange smell leads to shocking discovery inside packages sent to Australia
It was the odd smell coming from a parcel sent to Australia from the Philippines that made border force agents curious. An X-ray of the consignment revealed something disturbing inside — a massive haul of spiders and reptiles. Sadly, when Department of Agriculture (DAFF) agents sliced open the packages, many of the creatures had died. They'd been illegally sent through the mail to a false name, and declared as toys to try and avoid suspicion. Operation Cascade, a two-year multi-agency investigation into an illegal wildlife smuggling gang, was sparked by the discovery. On Friday, authorities revealed a man had been sentenced to nine months in prison after pleading guilty to three offences relating to the importation of live tortoises and turtles at the Caloundra Magistrates Court in Queensland. The first consignment was uncovered back in 2023. Inside were a total of three snakes, six iguanas, three soft-shell turtles and three tarantulas, all hidden inside drawstring calico bags. After warrants were issued, authorities found a further 45 tarantulas, as well as African hedgehogs, an alligator snapping turtle, eco-skeleton spiders, and snakes. Had the animals made it passed customs, they could have posed a serious risk to Australia's native species, livestock and even humans. DAFF's deputy secretary of Biosecurity, Justine Saunders, said they could have carried in diseases unknown here. 📮 Video shows Chinese student's illegal Australia Post act 🏡 Secret network of illegal collectors uncovered in Aussie suburbs 💵 Australia's common backyard creatures sold for thousands overseas People who break biosecurity laws face a maximum of 10 years in prison, fines of up to $1,650,000 for an individual or $8,250,000 for a company. 'The illegal wildlife trade is the world's fourth largest illicit transnational trade, after arms, drugs and human trafficking,' she said. 'DAFF, along with other government agencies, are united in their commitment to eradicate the illicit wildlife trade and will take vigorous and relentless action to seek out those responsible, bring them to justice and stop this global crime.' Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Australia $18.17 Bn E-Commerce Logistics Market Outlook to 2029
The Australia E-Commerce Logistics Market, valued at AUD 18.17 billion, is expanding due to mobile commerce growth, faster delivery demands, and cross-border buying. Key regions like Victoria, NSW, and WA lead due to infrastructure and consumer trends. Standard and express deliveries serve varied needs. Leading players include Australia Post and Toll Group. The market faces challenges like high last-mile costs in rural areas but anticipates growth through regional expansion and automation, with future opportunities in smart lockers and sustainable fleets. Dublin, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Australia E-Commerce Logistics Market Outlook to 2029" has been added to offering. The Australia e-commerce logistics market is currently valued at AUD 18.17 billion, showcasing steady growth driven by rising mobile commerce penetration and increasing cross-border purchases. The market's robustness is highlighted by 623.1 million shipments, fueled by consumers' inclination towards convenience and digital payments. Retailers are expanding logistics operations to efficiently serve both metropolitan and regional areas. Key regions such as Victoria, New South Wales, and Western Australia dominate the domestic logistics landscape due to population density and mature infrastructure. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne experience significant e-commerce transactions, especially during promotional events like Black Friday. Notably, Western Australia's increasing online order share is attributed to higher incomes and strong regional delivery networks. Australia's regulatory environment supports e-commerce growth through frameworks focused on digital transaction security and cross-border compliance. With over 5.6 million households shopping online monthly, and 48.8% of transactions processed via platforms like PayPal, government initiatives emphasize cyber-security and consumer data privacy. Investments in delivery infrastructure and warehousing further propel the logistics sector. Market Segmentation The market is segmented by delivery type into standard and express delivery. Standard delivery leads, owing to balanced cost structures and widespread reach, while express delivery caters to time-sensitive segments like electronics. By shipment weight, lightweight parcels dominate, associated with frequent online purchases in categories such as fashion and cosmetics, whereas heavyweight parcels, like electronics, occupy a smaller market share due to handling complexities. Competitive Landscape The market is consolidated, with Australia Post, Toll Group, and Couriers Please handling the majority of shipments. These top players are investing in parcel automation and smart locker systems. Meanwhile, global entities like DHL and FedEx focus on cross-border logistics. Market Analysis and Drivers The market is propelled by increasing e-commerce gross merchandise value, reaching AUD 77.72 billion, and generating 1.19 billion shipments. The rise of omnichannel retail strategies necessitates advanced logistics solutions like integrated warehousing and flexible last-mile networks. Expansion beyond metro areas through regional fulfillment centers enhances delivery speed and cost efficiency. Challenges The high cost of last-mile delivery in low-density areas poses challenges due to long distances and low order concentration. Additionally, smaller logistics providers face limitations in adopting automation technologies, impacting operational efficiency. Future Outlook The market is poised for growth, driven by advancements in regional fulfillment infrastructure and automation adoption. As demand for faster, transparent delivery services grows, providers will enhance last-mile networks and leverage technology to meet evolving consumer expectations. Opportunities The expansion of smart lockers and self-service pickup models, along with the transition to electric delivery fleets, present significant opportunities. These innovations will reduce delivery costs, align with sustainability goals, and meet the demand for convenience in urban centers. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Australia E-Commerce Logistics Market Overview 3. Market Segmentation3.1. By Delivery Type3.2. By Shipment Weight3.3. By Delivery Time Window3.4. By Application3.5. By Region 4. Competitive Landscape 5. Market Growth Drivers 6. Market Challenges 7. Market Future Outlook 8. Market Opportunities 9. Scope of the Report9.1. By Delivery Type9.2. By Shipment Weight9.3. By Delivery Time Window9.4. By Application9.5. By Region 10. Key Target Audience 11. Frequently Asked Questions A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to: Australia Post Toll Group Couriers Please DHL Express FedEx Australia For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Age
7 days ago
- Business
- The Age
Thinking of returning an online purchase? It might end up in landfill
An estimated $1.5 billion worth of brand-new online shopping purchases ended up in Australian landfills after customers returned them in 2024, according to a report published by waste redistribution charity Good360 on Thursday. Data featured in the report and analysed by Deloitte shows Australia is throwing out $4.5 billion in unsold goods every year, a 79 per cent increase from the $2.5 billion wasted in 2021, associated with a rise in returns of online purchases. According to annual data published by Australia Post, more Australian households (9.8 million) shopped online in 2024 than in any other year. Of these households, 18 per cent made an online purchase at least once a week. The Good360 report said an estimated 30 per cent of all clothing returned after being bought online was not resold, and most of these items ended up as waste. While most electronics are resold or refurbished after being returned online, estimates for the number of groceries and furniture that end up in landfills despite being new are far higher, with virtually all food and grocery items wasted. This is despite the pressure on landfills in major Australian cities, including Sydney, which is on track to run out of landfill space by 2030 and which had the greatest volume of online shopping orders by volume per capita in 2024. Victoria is forecast to begin running out of landfill capacity by the mid-2030s. In its 10 years of operating, Good360 has redistributed 43.7 million brand-new items to more than 4.8 million people across a network of 4800 charities and disadvantaged schools. More than one in eight Australians live in poverty and are in need of household goods, with particular demand for hygiene products, clothing, furniture and educational supplies. Companies that donate goods to Good360 include Harvey Norman, Colgate, Big W, Nike and Optus.
Sydney Morning Herald
7 days ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Thinking of returning an online purchase? It might end up in landfill
An estimated $1.5 billion worth of brand-new online shopping purchases ended up in Australian landfills after customers returned them in 2024, according to a report published by waste redistribution charity Good360 on Thursday. Data featured in the report and analysed by Deloitte shows Australia is throwing out $4.5 billion in unsold goods every year, a 79 per cent increase from the $2.5 billion wasted in 2021, associated with a rise in returns of online purchases. According to annual data published by Australia Post, more Australian households (9.8 million) shopped online in 2024 than in any other year. Of these households, 18 per cent made an online purchase at least once a week. The Good360 report said an estimated 30 per cent of all clothing returned after being bought online was not resold, and most of these items ended up as waste. While most electronics are resold or refurbished after being returned online, estimates for the number of groceries and furniture that end up in landfills despite being new are far higher, with virtually all food and grocery items wasted. This is despite the pressure on landfills in major Australian cities, including Sydney, which is on track to run out of landfill space by 2030 and which had the greatest volume of online shopping orders by volume per capita in 2024. Victoria is forecast to begin running out of landfill capacity by the mid-2030s. In its 10 years of operating, Good360 has redistributed 43.7 million brand-new items to more than 4.8 million people across a network of 4800 charities and disadvantaged schools. More than one in eight Australians live in poverty and are in need of household goods, with particular demand for hygiene products, clothing, furniture and educational supplies. Companies that donate goods to Good360 include Harvey Norman, Colgate, Big W, Nike and Optus.
The Australian
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Australian
From ambition to impact: How Janelle Hopkins paved her way to CFO
Janelle Hopkins is Chief Financial Officer at REA Group, an ASX-listed global digital business that specialises in property. In this conversation we hear how Janelle's passion for learning new skills and impactful work saw her rise to the top of the finance function. Janelle Hopkins' stint as REA Group CFO marks the second time she's served as a finance chief of a major company – even though she never set out to be a CFO in the first place. 'I would say I never actually had the desire to be a CFO, I never knew it was something I wanted,' Janelle says. 'I just knew I wanted to make an impact, to effect change, and I often found opportunities by looking at the leadership team above me. 'Progressing upwards helped me make a bigger impact, and that's what really drives me.' Janelle's role at REA Group was preceded by five years as CFO of Australia Post. Before that, a series of senior finance roles at the National Australia Bank (NAB) and its wealth arm at the time, MLC. But it was in an entry-level position at Deloitte where, encouraged by a female manager, she first discovered her passion for learning new things. 'In Year 12 the opportunity came up to do a cadetship at Deloitte. I had a manager who encouraged me to develop skills, and I ended up specialising in superannuation. 'Flying around the country and developing sectoral knowledge — that helped set me apart and gain different experiences that people my age and at my career level weren't getting.' Janelle rose to manager level at Deloitte before moving to MLC while still in her early 20s. Janelle Hopkins is Chief Financial Officer at REA Group The size of the organisation gave her the opportunity to frequently move roles, supercharging her desire to learn new things. 'I started in group reporting, I went to financial planning and analysis, I did an executive management to the CFO role… my attitude was look at the skills you need, the skills you are currently gaining in your role, and ensure you're not missing anything important.' Janelle's ambition and aptitude did not go unnoticed. At just 29, she was appointed Financial Controller at MLC, managing a large team and regularly presenting to the board. This was followed in quick succession by lead roles in wholesale finance and management and accounting operations. But suddenly, Janelle's meteoric rise hit a roadblock. After almost 12 years with the NAB group, a divisional restructure made her role redundant. Through this minor crisis came one of the major learnings of her career. 'When I got made redundant, I was told that I was a talent and that opportunities would come to me, so I sat and waited for them to come — but nothing did. I had to get on the front foot and go out looking. 'Now, the advice I always give to people who ask is: 'Take control of your career. 'Don't wait for people to come to you'.' Janelle's next opportunity was found at Australia Post in 2012. At that time the massive government-owned enterprise was undergoing a generational transformation project as the rise of e-commerce disrupted its traditional business model. 'Australia Post was full of talented people transforming a massive and significant organisation and I was really attracted to that,' remarks Jenelle. Joining as General Manager for planning and reporting, Janelle was soon asked to move into the group CFO role in a temporary capacity or, as she puts it, a 'try before you buy arrangement'. Six months later, she was appointed to the role permanently. She had reached the C-suite. But true to form, Janelle kept her eyes focussed on the next learning opportunity, moving across to REA Group in 2019. 'I was CFO at Australia Post for five years and absolutely loved it, but I wanted to move to a listed company and tick off as many new experience boxes as possible. REA Group was a perfect fit because it is high tech, digital and listed.' Janelle's new role was soon complemented by a three-year stint as the director of the Group of 100, a network of influential Australian CFOs. Although she never set out to become a CFO, Janelle's focus on learning and professional growth saw her become the finance chief of a high-growth ASX50 company and head of one of the profession's industry bodies before the age of 50. So, what advice would she give to young finance professionals, particularly women, who are hoping to reach the C-suite? 'My standard advice is to take control of your career - try to do as many different things as possible,' she says. 'I believe most companies would like a female CFO, or more women in executive roles in general — but what's stopping potential female candidates from progressing to that stage is that many are out of action for those defining career moments in their thirties because they have started a family. 'It was easier for me because I have one child, so I didn't take multiple stints of 9 to 12 months off. But I would say your career is a marathon, not a sprint. 'It's OK to plateau your career advancement so you can focus on family if you're still performing your role well — people will notice your capabilities. Organisations that support women to balance family and career demands will be able to grow the female talent pipeline.' - Disclaimer This publication contains general information only and Deloitte is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. Deloitte shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by any person who relies on this publication. About Deloitte Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ('DTTL'), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. Please see to learn more. Copyright © 2025 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved. -
