Because our bank accounts aren’t already struggling, the Government has decided to raise the price of Aussie passports!
Alongside the routine annual indexation tied to the consumer price index, travellers will soon encounter a whopping 15 per cent surge in passport fees, starting from July 1st.
Brace yourselves! When considering September’s annual CPI rate of 5.4 per cent, this would mean the price of a 10-year adult passport soaring from $325 to approximately $394 by the middle of next year.
Our passports are the second most expensive in the world, while our Kiwi mates across the ditch only pay $192 for a passport valid for a decade, while the folks in Canada fork out around $179.
But why, you ask? Well, the government claims this measure will generate a staggering $349 million over three years, with the revenue being allocated to other top priorities within the Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers goes on to describe this increase as “relatively modest,” highlighting the added security benefits that the funds would bring.
“This one-off increase in fees is primarily aimed at ensuring our passport systems have adequate resources, making them modern and fit for purpose – especially in these uncertain times when threats to people’s security and identity are ever-present.”
The department didn’t forget to point out that Aussie passport holders can still enjoy visa-free access to over 100 countries. Bon voyage!
