Australia Post and StarTrack have opened applications for more than 3,500 seasonal jobs across Australia as they prepare for the Christmas parcel rush, with some positions requiring no previous experience.
The nationwide recruitment drive covers parcel sorters, freight handlers, van drivers, forklift operators and truck drivers across metropolitan and regional areas. Pay varies by position, while start dates range from September to later in the spring.
What Australia Post jobs are available?
Truck drivers and forklift operators are among the most in-demand workers, but Australia Post is also recruiting mail and parcel sorters, freight handlers and van drivers.
Some parcel-processing roles require no previous experience. Duties can include sorting and scanning parcels, loading and unloading containers and working around processing equipment.
The work can be physically demanding. Current parcel-processing listings indicate employees may regularly handle parcels weighing up to 16kg.
How much do the jobs pay?
Current Australia Post seasonal listings show mail and parcel sorters aged 21 and over earning around $35.83 an hour including casual loading, plus 12% superannuation. Junior rates can apply to workers under 21.
Licensed roles can pay more. Some seasonal van-driving positions have been advertised at around $40.12 an hour including casual loading, plus super. Truck-driver rates can vary according to the licence, location and shift.
Overtime, evening and weekend work may attract additional payments where applicable. Applicants should check the individual vacancy for the exact rate rather than assuming one figure applies to all 3,500 jobs.
Where are the 3,500 jobs?
- Victoria: more than 1,100 roles
- New South Wales: more than 900
- Queensland: more than 900
- South Australia: more than 300
- Western Australia: more than 300
- Tasmania: more than 20
- ACT: more than 20
- Northern Territory: more than 20
Vacancies are spread across both metropolitan and regional operations, although the roles available will differ by facility.
When do the seasonal jobs start?
Truck-driver roles are expected to begin from early September 2026. Parcel processing, freight handling, van driving and forklift positions are expected to start from around mid-October, with some recruitment continuing through October and November.
Most vacancies are seasonal rather than permanent and are designed to cover the Christmas peak. Some work may continue into the new year depending on parcel volumes and operational requirements.
Who can apply?
Previous experience is not required for some parcel-processing jobs, but driving and forklift roles require the appropriate licences. Depending on the position, drivers may also need to complete assessments or other pre-employment checks.
Some current parcel-processing advertisements state that eligible visa holders are encouraged to apply, although work-right requirements can vary by vacancy.
Applicants should also consider shift availability. Seasonal parcel operations can include early-morning, afternoon, evening and overnight work rather than standard 9-to-5 hours.
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Why is Australia Post hiring thousands of workers?
Australia Post says it delivered a record 111 million parcels in the lead-up to Christmas last year. Adding seasonal staff gives its sorting, freight and transport operations additional capacity as online shopping and Christmas deliveries increase.
The recruitment comes at a contrasting time for parts of Australia’s employment market. While Australia Post is adding temporary logistics workers, other employers are restructuring, including the recently announced KPMG Australia job cuts.
A similar contrast can be seen in retail, where Coles’ 2026 job cuts and outsourcing changes highlight how hiring conditions can differ significantly between sectors.
Are these permanent Australia Post jobs?
The 3,500 vacancies are primarily seasonal positions, not 3,500 newly announced permanent jobs. The duration of individual contracts can depend on the facility, role and parcel volumes.
Australia Post says some employees who initially joined during seasonal recruitment periods have gone on to build longer-term careers with the organisation, but seasonal employment does not guarantee a permanent position.
How to apply for Australia Post jobs
Applications are open now. Candidates can search current opportunities through the official Australia Post seasonal recruitment page.
Before applying, check the individual listing for its location, hourly rate, shift hours, start date, licence requirements, physical demands and employment conditions. There may not be one closing date for every vacancy, meaning individual positions could close as recruitment progresses.
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