Deserting his Post

$5.6m man Fahour says enough is enough

AUSTRALIA Post chief Ahmed Fahour has quit just as the government launches a salary crackdown at the top of the 208-year-old service.

It comes a fortnight after Malcolm Turnbull scolded the Post boss over his $5.6 million pay packet last year.

The Turnbull Government yesterday moved swiftly to cap the pay of the incoming chief, with revelations that it wants the federal Remuneration Tribunal to have the final say on any lucrative pay packages.

Under the proposal, the independent tribunal that handles Commonwealth pay will ensure the wage is “commensurate with the responsibilities of the role”.

But Mr Fahour, who has run the nation’s postal service for seven years, said it was his choice to walk away

“Clearly, this has been a very difficult and emotional decision for me and my family but I have come to the conclusion that the timing is right,” he said.

“Seven years is a long time ... particularly as it is a 24/7 job.”

But Post chairman John Stanhope indicated to media yesterday that the recent turmoil “has influenced (Mr Fahour’s) decision”.

Details of his $5.6 million pay sparked criticism from the PM, who labelled it “too high”.

In six years Mr Fahour has made around $23 million.

Sources close to Australia Post feel that the PM threw Mr Fahour “under a bus” in a bid to score political points.

It is understood the PM shared a blunt call with Mr Stanhope saying Mr Fahour’s wage had to be cut. But it is believed the PM did not try to force Mr Fahour out.

Mr Fahour yesterday said he had not spoken to Mr Turnbull about his resignation.

“No, I gave the letter to the board. That is, literally, for the chairman and the board to communicate with the shareholder, which would be Communications Minister Mitch Fifield and Finance Minister Mathias Cormann,” Mr Fa- hour said. Insiders now say it offers “clear air” for the Government to set a wage “more in keeping with public expectations”.

Mr Fahour appeared to take a parting shot at One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, who said she was “absolutely disgusted” by the size of the postal chief’s pay packet.

“It is fair to say it is a little bit more complex than running a fish-and-chip shop,” Mr Fahour said, referring to her previous profession.