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- Australia Post Chief Executive, Christine Holgate, has resigned from her position
- Holgate was criticised for spending $12,000 on luxury Cartier watches for four of her executives
- Holgate, at the time, was heavily targeted by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who requested she step down during a probe into her leadership
- The ex-head of Australia Post insisted tax-paid funds were not used to purchase the watches
- Holgate thanked the Government for her three-year tenure, and will remain complicit during an ongoing probe into the conduct of the postal service
Australia Post Chief Executive, Christine Holgate, has stepped down from her position, effective immediately.
Holgate’s resignation follows remarks given by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, questioning the postal service’s executive gifts.
In late-October, a senate enquiry uncovered four executives were given designer Cartier watches, amounting to $12,000 spent.
Holgate argued that tax-payer funds were not used to purchase the watches. However, a bevy of general overspending was highlighted, including close to $840,000 on indoor plants.
At the time, Prime Minister Morrison was quick to critique the leadership of Australia Post.
“I was appalled and it is disgraceful and not on,” he said.
The Prime Minister requested Holgate to step aside, and on Monday this week, she announced her immediate resignation.
“The current issue I am managing is a significant distraction and I do not believe it is good for either Australia Post or my own personal wellbeing,” Holgate said.
“Consequently, I have made the difficult decision to resign, hoping it will allow the organisation to fully focus on serving our customers,” she continued.
Holgate’s decision to leave amid an investigation will exclude her from up to $700,000 in severance compensation.
She was thanked for her service and reciprocated the praise.
“I have no animosity towards the Government and have enjoyed working with the Prime Minister, the Shareholder Ministers and many other political leaders during my tenure,” she said.
“I will make myself readily available to participate in the investigation of this matter and any other issues of possible concern,” she continued.
“My sincere apologies if my words or actions have offended others as this would never have been my intention because I have always held Australia Post in the greatest regard,” the former CEO signed off.
Holgate began her tenure in October 2017. Australia Post Managing Director, Rodney Boys, will act as interim Chief Executive.
