Australia Post has welcomed a final decision by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) not to object to a proposed price increase for reserved ordinary letter services, including raising the Basic Postage Rate from A$1.70 to A$1.85.
The increase is set to take effect on September 1, 2026, subject to finalization of regulatory processes.
Concession and seasonal greeting stamps will remain unchanged at 60 cents and 65 cents respectively, prices Australia Post says have held for more than a decade. The company has also increased the number of concession stamps eligible customers can purchase annually, from 50 to 75.
According to Australia Post, letter volumes have declined to levels not seen in the country since the late 1930s. The company says that fewer than 3% of letters are now sent by consumers, with businesses and government agencies accounting for the majority of mail. According to Australia Post, the shift toward digital alternatives is driving the decline, a trend it says is being experienced by postal operators worldwide.
Australia Post estimates that Australian households purchase an average of five full-rate stamps per year, meaning the price increase will add an estimated 75 cents to annual household costs. The company said Australian stamp prices will remain among the lowest in the OECD.
Charities will continue to have access to a discounted charity mail service.
Australia Post said it remains committed to maintaining a sustainable and accessible letters service for all Australians while adapting to the ongoing decline in letter volumes and a growing number of delivery points.
In related news, Australia Post breaks ground on A$500m Adelaide parcel hub