摘要:This article examines the theoretical bases for the existence of community service obligations (CSOs) in postal services in Australia. It assesses the forces that can be expected to affect both their form as well as the capacity of Australia Post to deliver CSOs into the future. It concludes by considering the implications of this assessment for Australia Post’s ownership structure, strategic direction and its relationship with other communications, logistic and financial service providers, as well as with both the federal and state and territory governments.