No Aust Post privatisation talks with govt

Australia Post and the federal government have not participated in discussions about privatising the government-owned company, a Senate committee has been told.

CEO Ahmed Fahour outlined the organisation's $36 million after-tax profit in 2016 to a budget estimates hearing on Tuesday, spelling out the turnaround after a hike in the cost of postage stamps and changes in letter delivery schedules.

When asked whether Australia Post had been asked by the government to participate in a working group to explore privatisation options, Mr Fahour said "no", as did Communications Minister Mitch Fifield.