Strict baggage rules for the team’s flight home from the Games in September reportedly limited each athlete to a seven kilogram carry-on backpack and a 10kg duffel bag in the hold.

Athletes were also allowed specialised sporting equipment such as racing wheelchairs.

Any other luggage had to be returned as shipping freight which was expected to be delivered 12 weeks from the end of the Games in Brazil.

But after repeated delays athletes have been told, according to Australia's The Courier-Mail, that it will now be towards the end of this month before the remaining luggage is delivered.

“There were delays in the Australian Paralympic Team’s luggage arriving back home from Rio, as there were for the Australian Olympic Team," said Australia Paralympic Committee chief executive, Lynne Anderson.

"The shipment only arrived in Australia just before the Christmas period which unfortunately brought on further delays.

“All athletes and staff received communication from the Australian Paralympic Committee keeping them updated on the transit process, and all team members will be receiving the remainder of their luggage as early as possible.”

According to the The Courier-Mail, contracts signed by the athletes prohibit them from speaking to the media without permission, but a parent of one team member said the delays were frustrating.

"The last message suggested the stuff had arrived [in Australia] and was meant to be sent via Australia Post in December but was deferred because of the Christmas rush," the parent told the newspaper.

The parent also claimed it was indicative of the treatment Paralympians are given in Australia when compared to their Olympic counterparts.

"The guys in the team don’t challenge it, and they can’t speak out because they are hamstrung by the contracts," he added. 

"But the public probably needs to know."

Australian Paralympians returned from Rio to "no greeting" at Sydney airport, it is claimed, with the Olympians receiving a "heroes' welcome" featuring Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

The mother of another member of the Paralympic squad said: "It certainly is very different the way the two groups are treated.

"But I’m not prepared to say anything that may cause any discussion or controversy."

Australia finished fifth on the Rio 2016 Paralympic medal table, winning 22 golds, 30 silvers and 29 bronze.