Australia Post prepares for record parcel volumes amid parliamentary inquiry

Australia Post is preparing for a record-breaking peak delivery season, with expectations to deliver more than 120 million parcels across November and December 2026. This represents an increase of over eight per cent compared to the 111 million parcels handled during the same period last year. To manage this demand, CEO Paul Graham stated the organization has recruited 3,900 casual staff and expanded its air freight capacity, including the introduction of three Airbus A321 freighters in partnership with Qantas.

Simultaneously, the Federal Government has launched a parliamentary inquiry into the sustainability of Australia Post’s business model. The inquiry follows a sharp decline in letter volumes, which fell 14.7 per cent to approximately 1.42 billion letters last financial year. The committee will examine how the organization can maintain financial viability and service accessibility, particularly in regional and remote areas, as consumer behavior shifts from traditional mail toward e-commerce and parcel delivery. A report is expected by mid-2027.