RURAL DELIVERIES -UPDATE
Dear Members,
We have had over 12 queries on the new contractor arrangements Newscorp has put in place.
I have met with Newscorp today and raised the issues from all 12 members.
Newscorp senior management both Geoff Smith and Scott Rollings are working urgently to have things sorted as smoothly as possible in the shortest amount of time.
Newscorp is well aware of the frustration and angst associated with the new carrier.
Both Geoff and Scott have made it very clear to me, this is their number 1 priority at the moment and assured me things will improve.
Below are the official points, post the meeting between VANA and News Corp today:
“Thanks for meeting with us regarding issues experienced by some country newsagents following the recent change in contractor.
It is important to remember that this is a big departure from previous long-standing arrangements and that it is critical in ensuring the future of newspaper distribution in country Vic.
A significant effort was made prior to the change to identify gaps and ensure a smooth implementation but inevitably there will be a small number of teething problems experienced by a limited number of agents.
It is to be expected that any such change comes with a period of settling. Our entire Victoria Logistics team is working closely with the contractor to resolve problems as we are made aware of them. Indeed we have seen rapid progress in the first few days and expect further refinement which will deliver improvements over the coming days and weeks.
We request that newsagents report any issues directly via email to newsviclogistics@news.com.au. This will allow us to swiftly respond and address any issues.
Someone will be monitoring this inbox from 4 am tomorrow morning and actioning any issues as they arise. Obviously, that is not an ongoing process but it is what we have planned for tomorrow which is the first Saturday.”
I will keep working with News Corp & Nine to ensure all members are fully informed and please keep sending your queries through on email general@vana.com.au.
Yours sincerely,
Brendan Tohill | Chief Executive Officer
VANA – Victorian Authorised Newsagents Association
NLNA – National Lotteries Newsagents Association
