Starting January 1, 2025, Australian passport fees will increase by 3.5%, with the cost of a standard 10-year adult passport rising from $398 to $412. The price of a 5-year child passport will jump to $208, while a replacement passport will now cost $259. This follows a previous 15% increase in passport fees implemented on July 1, 2024, making Australian passports the most expensive globally.

Opposition members have criticized the hike, with Senator Simon Birmingham calling it “another tax grab from Australians.” He noted that Australians may find passport costs nearly as expensive as airfare, adding to the financial burden.

However, the government defends the rise, citing the passport’s high quality, security features, and international respect, which enables visa-free access to over 180 countries. The price adjustments are in line with the Consumer Price Index as part of an annual indexation requirement.