The federal government should sell Australia Post, a former head of the competition watchdog says.

Graeme Samuel, who chaired the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) from 2003 to 2011, told a business lunch that Australia’s postage services don’t belong in government hands.

“Why it is that we own Australia Post when you’ve got so many other providers, private providers of carriage of mail and services?” Professor Samuel said.

Professor Samuel also criticised opponents of US food giant Archer Daniels Midland’s proposed $3.4 billion takeover of GrainCorp.

The government gives billions of dollars to foreign companies investing in the motor vehicle industry to support local jobs, but may also block a US company from owning a major grain industry business, he said.

The Nationals are opposed to the GrainCorp deal, and Treasurer Joe Hockey is due to make a decision on December 17.

AAP