May 15th 2024.
Last night's federal budget announcement had a particularly interesting tidbit that caught many people's attention - the ability to fast-track a passport application for a fee. Starting July 1st, individuals can pay an extra $100 to have their application processed within five business days. According to the budget papers, this initiative is estimated to bring in $27.4 million in five years, which will then be allocated towards other important government services.
For those who may be wondering what else was included in the budget, we've put together a handy two-minute guide. But let's get back to this new passport option. Currently, it costs $346 to apply for a 10-year passport for individuals aged 16 and over. The government advises that the usual processing time can take up to six weeks, but with this new fast-track option, it will only take five business days.
During a speech today, Assistant Minister for the Treasury Andrew Leigh acknowledged that the delays in passport processing were due to an understaffed public service. It's no surprise then, that this new expedited option is a welcome solution for those who may have urgent travel plans. It's a middle ground for those who need their passport quickly without having to pay the larger fee of $252 for a two-business day processing option.
To take advantage of this new service, individuals can either pay the fee when submitting their application or contact 131 232 afterwards. It's important to note that the processing time does not start from when the application is submitted, but rather from when it is received on the other end. For those who want to speed up the process even further, they can visit Australia Post Passport RAPID locations, which can get the application packets into the hands of processors at a faster rate.
If you're interested in learning more about the Australian Passport Office and its services, you can visit their website for additional information. And if you want to stay updated on the latest breaking news, celebrity updates, and sports news, you can also follow us on our WhatsApp channel. The best part? No comments, no algorithm, and your private details are safe with us.
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