Australia Post slammed by senators for 'inappropriate' CEO hire

Australia Post has named Woolworths supply chain boss Paul Graham as its new chief executive, five months after Ms Holgate quit over a luxury watch expenses scandal.

Mr Graham has worked in digital marketing and retail across Australia, Europe and Asia for 40 years, including as a senior executive at Deutsche Post DHL.

"Paul has a demonstrated track record of delivering results in large, complex organisations and is a proven leader managing large teams," Australia Post chairman Lucio Di Bartolomeo said on Monday.

Mr Graham will start the role in September.

His annual salary has been set at $1.46 million, with the potential to double his pay through bonuses.

Ms Holgate's base salary was $1.5 million but was often earning more than $2 million with bonuses. Her severance package has still not been settled.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, who chairs the senate inquiry, said while the matter of the termination of Ms Holgate's employment was before that inquiry, the appointment of a new CEO is "inappropriate and seeks to undermine the senate inquiry process."

Ms Holgate and Mr Di Bartolomeo are both due to give evidence at a hearing on Tuesday, which will examine allegations that the Australia Post chair "unlawfully" bullied Ms Holgate into standing down.

"It's shameful that the Morrison government is rushing to appoint a new CEO the day before Christine Holgate has the opportunity to air her allegations that she was 'thrown under the bus' and 'humiliated' in a manner not replicated by the Morrison government when it comes to the alleged misconduct of men in its ranks," Senator Hanson-Young said.

"One must also question whether this is a case of jobs for the boys, given all the evidence pointing to one set of rules for the boys' club and another for women in politics.

"I will be putting questions to the chair of Australia Post and the government over the timing of the appointment at tomorrow's hearing and how this entire matter has been managed."

Labor communications spokeswoman Michelle Rowland said the inquiry-eve timing of the announcement showed the Prime Minister and Communications Minister had "lost their collective marbles".

"Why was an appointment announced in panic today when the incoming CEO won't be commencing until September 2021?" she said.

"For the timing to be so blatantly provocative is not only disrespectful to the incoming CEO Mr Graham but shows Scott Morrison remains entirely consumed by short-term political management."

In an excoriating statement, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson said the timing was an unmistakeable contempt of the process.

"The announcement of a new Australia Post chief executive and managing director today shows absolute arrogance on behalf of the Prime Minister and two of his most senior ministers," Senator Hanson said.

"Scott Morrison is attempting to deliberately destabilise witnesses ahead of tomorrow's Senate inquiry."

Shareholder ministers Simon Birmingham and Paul Fletcher welcomed the appointment.

"We trust Mr Graham will provide strong direction and leadership as Australia Post continues to deliver record numbers of parcels, even with border closures and ongoing logistical challenges," they said.

"His experience in building global logistics operations will also prove invaluable to local exporters, as Australia Post continues to invest in supply chains that connect Australian businesses to customers in new markets around the world."

The pair also thanked Ms Holgate for her service to Australia Post.

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