By Bonny Burrows
Local domestic violence advocate Kristy McKellar has teamed up with Australia Post to launch a national initiative protecting women and children fleeing family violence.
As of 29 May, the national post service has been offering a new mail redirection policy aimed at protecting and supporting family violence survivors through the axing of fees and new privacy policies.
Driving the changes was Ms McKellar who had experienced first-hand the difficulties of moving house while escaping an abusive ex-partner.
She was unable to remain in her own home as she no longer felt safe as the perpetrator “continued to breach” the intervention order.
“Therefore, I was faced with the process of mail redirection, and how confronting this process was, having to explain my situation and ensuring the Australian Post staff understood how integral it was to keep my new address and other relevant information secure and confidential,” Ms McKellar said.
The financial burden of applying for mail redirection was costly, she said, even though some might view the cost as minimal.
“The reality is, at times, you are faced with making a decision to delaying something that will give you piece of mind and security such as mail redirection, which no one should have to face, leaving victim survivors fearing that their information may be seen by their perpetrator, placing them at potential risk again,” Ms McKellar said.
Normally, people moving house applied for a redirection at a cost of up to $123 per year, and then Australia Post would send a verification letter to check all details were correct.
But thanks to Ms McKellar’s lobbying for change, along with the support of Australia Post CEO Ahmed Fahour, family violence survivors with proof of eligibility will now receive the free redirection service for up to one year.
The verification letter has also been axed in a move to protect new address details.
While the changes came too late for Ms McKellar, she is glad she has used her role as a social change advocate to influence change so others won’t have the same experience.
“Knowing victims and survivors can now expect to receive an understanding service that provides them with respect and sensitivity in a traumatic time is reassuring,” she said.
“They no longer need to feel embarrassed or ashamed to have the conversation, as it is welcomed and supported, now offered across the nation for those in need.
“From someone who has lived this experience, I sincerely congratulate Australia Post, a wonderful CEO and leader Ahmed and all the team who have made this a reality – everyone deserves to feel safe and live a life free from violence.”
More information on the service is available at auspost.com.au/parcels-mail.
