Starting January 1, Australians will have to dig even deeper into their wallets to renew or get a new passport, as the cost of this essential travel document is set to rise again. Critics are calling it a “backdoor tax grab,” adding fuel to the fire in an ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
The price of a standard 10-year Australian passport, already among the most expensive in the world, will increase by $14 to a hefty $412. Since Labor took office in 2022, the cost has jumped a staggering $104. Five-year passports, used by children and seniors over 75, will now cost $208, up from $201, while replacement passports will rise from $250 to $259.
While these annual price hikes are part of a legislated indexation process, they come on the heels of a 15% fee increase implemented on July 1, 2024, a move heavily criticized by the Coalition.
Foreign Affairs spokesperson Simon Birmingham didn’t hold back, calling the fee hikes “over the top revenue-raising.” He noted that passports are becoming so pricey, they’re now comparable to the cost of an international airfare.
“Many Australians save for years to afford a special trip to Bali or Fiji, only to find that the passport itself costs nearly as much as the flight,” Birmingham said. “Passports should be a basic entitlement, not a luxury item.”
The Albanese government defended the move, with Assistant Foreign Minister Tim Watts pointing out that indexation has been a standard practice for years. He also highlighted the need for the earlier price rise, citing investments in identity security to stay ahead of evolving threats.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) chimed in, emphasizing the value of the Australian passport. "It’s one of the best in the world," a spokesperson said. "With advanced technology and strong anti-fraud measures, Australian passports ensure integrity and offer visa-free access to over 180 countries."
And that’s no exaggeration. According to the 2024 Henley Passport Index, Australian passports rank as the fifth most powerful globally, with visa-free entry to 189 countries.
Still, for many Aussies, the latest fee increases feel like yet another financial burden at a time when every dollar counts.
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