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Aust Post says ESA exit will affect only ‘small’ number of SMSFs

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By Keeli Cambourne
October 13 2025
1 minute read
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Australia Post has said the decision to exit the ESA service for SMSFs was part of a broader strategy to simplify the products it offers.

Following the story in SMSF Adviser on 9 October, a spokesperson for Australia Post says that under the Post26 strategy, its ongoing approach is to focus on a core range of products and services.

"Over-the-counter demand for Australia Post’s SMSF Gateway Service has remained extremely low over recent years," a spokesperson for Australia Post said.

 
 

“Our decision to phase out this service comes as we work to remain sustainable into the future by streamlining and simplifying our business. ”

The spokesperson continued that customers who use the electronic service address were advised of the change in August.

“Most people will have their subscriptions ongoing coming up to the renewal date," the spokesperson said.

However, from 30 November 2025, Australia Post will no longer offer subscriptions to the SMSF Gateway Service. Current subscribers will not be able to renew after this date.

Naz Randeria, director of Reliance Auditing Services, told SMSF Adviser that Australia Post’s decision to exit the SMSF messaging space in November 2025 removes the only ESA option with a physical, in-person service – one that many older trustees relied on for basic compliance support.

Randeria added that the convenience of walking into a local Australia Post branch and getting help is being replaced by platforms with no human interface.

“For a generation that values face-to-face service, that matters.”

“Without a simple, user-friendly solution, these trustees risk falling out of compliance through no fault of their own, and the ATO has yet to offer a viable path forward.”

Australia Post said that to ensure a smooth transition, subscribers will have access to the portal until their subscription expires, at which point they will need to seek an alternative messaging service if required.

Customers seeking an alternative service can search the ATO’s register of SMSF messaging providers.

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