Post-Control-Commission

As of January 1, 2008, a second board was set up within the TKK for the purpose of postal service regulation under the Postal Services Act (PostG). Under the relevant legislation, one member of this board is required to have expertise in the field of postal services. Since the Postal Market Act went into force on January 1, 2011, the responsibilities of the Post-Control-Commission (PCK) have included prohibiting the closure of post offices, exercising its right to raise objections with regard to general terms and conditions of business and fees, issuing, transferring, changing and revoking licences, and taking supervisory measures. RTR's Telecommunications and Postal Services Division provides operational support for the PCK. In procedures related to the nationwide availability of post offices, the PCK is also supported by the Post Office Advisory Board, which was established as a new advisory body under the Postal Market Act.

PCK Members

This commission comprises three main members and three alternate members, each of whom is appointed by the Austrian federal government for a term of five years. The PCK is chaired by Nikolaus Schaller, a judge at the Higher Regional Court Vienna.

Term of office from 5.11.2017 until 4.11.2022:

  • Nikolaus Schaller
  • Erhard Fürst
  • Sabine Joham-Neubauer

In addition, an alternate member has been appointed for each member of the commission:

  • Elfriede Solé
  • Mathias Grandosek
  • Alfred Ruzicka

Lines of command

The Post-Control-Commission (PCK) is an independent panel authority, chaired by an appointed judge.

The Austrian Federal Minister of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism does not have the power to issue instructions to the PCK. However, the Federal Minister is authorized to gather and request relevant information on all matters handled by this authority.

Appeals against PCK decisions can be submitted to the Federal Administrative Court (BVwG). Further appeals against BVwG decisions may be submitted to the Austrian Administrative Court (VwGH) and the Austrian Constitutional Court (VfGH).