Unusual tool postal workers use to ensure their safety on their routes

Across communities, dedicated workers continue their daily rounds, ensuring deliveries reach their destinations.

However, they face an unexpected challenge that poses a serious risk.

New measures are being introduced to address the issue, including an unconventional but practical solution.


The rise in dog attacks on postal workers has become a pressing concern for Australia Post, with the organisation's chief, Paul Graham, revealing some startling statistics.

In just six months leading up to November 2024, there were 1,277 dog-related incidents reported nationwide.

That's an average of 49 attacks per week, or about 10 every single day.


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Australia Post has reported a rise in dog attacks on posties, leading to using citronella spray as a deterrent. Credit: Anton Brand / iStock


And according to Mr Graham, the situation has only gotten 'slightly worse.'

During a senate estimates hearing, Graham shared the innovative measures Australia Post has implemented to protect its staff.

Among these, the deployment of citronella spray stands out as a humane and effective deterrent against aggressive canines.


Citronella, known for its strong, lemony scent, is a non-toxic essential oil often used in insect repellents.

When used in spray form, it can help keep dogs at bay without causing them harm.

'We've tried many things,' Mr Graham said, emphasising the trial and error process that led to the adoption of citronella spray.

The safety of postal workers is paramount, and this natural solution seems to be making a positive difference.

In addition to the spray, delivery staff are equipped with hazard devices to log aggressive dog behaviour.

This data helps identify problem areas and supports Australia Post's efforts to hold irresponsible dog owners accountable.


The government-owned enterprise has not shied away from taking legal action, resulting in four successful prosecutions to date.

Mr Graham explained that while the individual postie must initiate the prosecution under the Public Liability Act, Australia Post provides the necessary financial and legal support.

The settlements go directly to the affected postal workers, ensuring they receive compensation for their ordeal.

This approach underscores Australia Post's commitment to its employees' well-being and zero-tolerance policy towards preventable dangers.

But the challenges facing Australia Post don't stop at dog attacks.

Mr Graham spoke candidly about the organisation's financial viability, predicting a 'traditionally profitable' first half for the 2025 financial year and a significant loss in the latter half.


He described the future of Australia Post as ‘challenging,’ citing a generational shift in how customers use local post offices.

He also pointed to the aging demographics of the licensing community and the relentless march towards digitalisation.

Despite these hurdles, Mr Graham assured Australians that mail delivery services would continue.

'Letters will never return to profitability, but I can assure you that Australia Post will continue to deliver mail to every part of the country until the last letter is sent,' he vowed.

Ensuring continued mail delivery is vital, especially for those relying on traditional posts for communication and services.
Key Takeaways
  • Australia Post has reported a rise in dog attacks on posties, leading to the use of citronella spray as a deterrent.
  • In six months, there were 1277 dog-related incidents, which equates to approximately 49 attacks per week or 10 per day.
  • Measures have been implemented, including public prosecutions against dog owners and using hazard devices to log aggressive dog behaviour.
  • Australia Post faces financial challenges but pledges to continue delivering mail to all parts of the country despite the decline in the profitability of letter services.
Have you had any experiences with dog-related incidents in your neighbourhood? Or have you noticed your local postie carrying the now-famous citronella spray? Share your stories with us in the comments below.
 

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Forget citronella spray, arm the posties with cattle prods that will deter the dog's
not cattle prods but you can get a small, battery powered item which can fit in the postie's pocket. One quick touch of this "trainer" will stop the dog in it's track, will save postie, WILL NOT HARM THE DOG but stops any bites. These are very handy and I can vouch for them as I used them for years while a junk mailer.
 
Nope. Our late dog, Jelly, would bark her head off, but she was an inside dog, and would hide on our bed if a stranger came in! LOL!

We *did* have a problem with a Team Global Express "delivery" person. Got the infamous card, and I got more angry than usual. I sent a blistering email to their higher ups. They took it seriously. A woman came out with the person and said he'd seen a snake. Really? We were about to have the yard cleaned up and grass all cut. If he'd only told *what* made him not deliver on the note, I wouldn't have gotten so mad!

And guess what... the yard people didn't see any sign of any snakes! Infuriating... grrr!
 
Simple..if there are dogs..do not deliver to those addresses! Take the items back to the Post Office and the resident can come collect the items.. They will soon get tired of doing that.
Not all dogs are behind a fence. Or jump fences that are too small.
 
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Nope. Our late dog, Jelly, would bark her head off, but she was an inside dog, and would hide on our bed if a stranger came in! LOL!

We *did* have a problem with a Team Global Express "delivery" person. Got the infamous card, and I got more angry than usual. I sent a blistering email to their higher ups. They took it seriously. A woman came out with the person and said he'd seen a snake. Really? We were about to have the yard cleaned up and grass all cut. If he'd only told *what* made him not deliver on the note, I wouldn't have gotten so mad!

And guess what... the yard people didn't see any sign of any snakes! Infuriating... grrr!
I have had a lot of trouble with Team Global Express I pay for delivery they just put a card in my letter box then I have to drive 35 mins away to pick up the item our house is 500m up the drive I have asked them to phone me when they are delivering they said we don't do that I said just leave the item behind the gate they said we don't do that they are bloody useless won't buy anything that uses them to deliver
 
Our lab doesn’t even run to the door when the delivery guy comes. I said to him “great guard dog”. He said he knows me now. But he really doesn’t react to anyone ringing the bell. He just looks at me as if to say “are you going to get that?”. I think our posties are pretty safe here lol
 
An elderly lady with a walker and with an assistance dog, it doesn’t have to be stray dogs that are the problem, quite a few owners have their dogs off the lead. As a big dog lunged at my gentle girl who had placed herself in front of me I used the only thing at hand , an aerosol can of sun spray. A big spray in the air in front of us and sneezing and coughing dog took off like a rocket.
 
Not a dog but our delivery driver from Aussie post and my Avon lady refused to come to our front door because Troppo, our cat would spit and snarl at them ready to attack. They would call out from the front lawn 😂
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Love it my first cat possum used to hide behind the big bushy tree we had in our front garden and jump out and chase the postie, or anything that moved actually we didn’t have a front fence. 😊
Gosh your cat looks like my little boy he’s beautiful😊
 
Our little Jack Russell (R.I.P.) used to give our postie heaps every morning, she would start as soon as he arrived and chased him along our front fence, barking all the time when he left......she hated his noisy MOTORBIKE.:ROFLMAO:
 
Our little Jack Russell (R.I.P.) used to give our postie heaps every morning, she would start as soon as he arrived and chased him along our front fence, barking all the time when he left......she hated his noisy MOTORBIKE.:ROFLMAO:
My postie rides a cart that looks like an upmarket golf cart with a roof for shade it’s a beauty but it hogs the whole footpath, it’s a standoff between all of us walkers and him such fun. 🤣
 
I have had a lot of trouble with Team Global Express I pay for delivery they just put a card in my letter box then I have to drive 35 mins away to pick up the item our house is 500m up the drive I have asked them to phone me when they are delivering they said we don't do that I said just leave the item behind the gate they said we don't do that they are bloody useless won't buy anything that uses them to deliver
I'm not sure what your issues with Team Global Express has to do with Posties being bit/attacked by dogs. It helps if you keep to the subject of the original story.
 

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