A reminder about the increase cost of stamps from September
Summary: sandypebbles reminds others about the upcoming increase in postage rates by Australia Post. Starting September 1, the basic postage rate will rise from $1.70 to $1.85, following ACCC's decision not to object to the increase. This hike reflects a long-term trend of rising postage costs amidst declining letter volumes, which are now at levels similar to the 1930s. Australia Post assures that concession and seasonal greeting stamps will remain unchanged and highlights that the impact on households will be minimal, as most mail is sent by businesses and government agencies.
Thanks to the new 'forum' I can't find where this was posted about previously when I search
So just a reminder
Posting a letter is about to cost more
Australia Post is set to lift the basic postage rate from $1.70 to $1.85 from September 1 after the ACCC confirmed it wouldn’t object to the increase.
The change comes as letter volumes fall to levels not seen since the late 1930s, with Australia Post arguing it needs higher prices to keep the letters service sustainable.
The proposed 15-cent rise, still subject to final regulatory processes, continues a long upward trend in postage prices.
Twenty years ago, Australians could send a standard letter for 50 cents. That rose to 55 cents in 2008, 60 cents in 2010 and 70 cents in 2014 before the sharp jump to $1 in 2016.
From there, the price rose steadily to $1.70 in 2025. By September, the basic stamp will have increased by $1.35 since the mid-2000s.
Australia Post said the regulator’s final view cleared the way for the rise in reserved ordinary letter services, subject to the last regulatory steps being completed.
While the full-rate stamp will climb by 15 cents, concession and seasonal greeting stamps will stay at 60 cents and 65 cents, where they’ve remained for more than a decade.
In a bid to soften the blow for eligible customers, Australia Post has also increased the number of concession stamps that can be bought each year from 50 to 75. Charities will continue to have access to its discounted Charity Mail service.
The price rise lands against a backdrop of sharp long-term decline in traditional mail.
Australia Post said in a statement the “ongoing decline in letter volumes has now reached levels not seen in Australia since the late 1930s”.
“Today, fewer than 3 per cent of letters are sent by consumers, with the majority mailed by businesses and government agencies,” Australia Post said.
As digital alternatives continue to replace paper mail, the service is increasingly being used less by households and more by institutions.
Even so, Australia Post argues the impact on most households will be modest.
“On average, Australian households purchase five full-rate stamps each year and the cost impact of this increase is expected to be an extra 75 cents annually,” the statement said.
The postal operator also sought to frame the rise in an international context, stating that Australians “will continue to have some of the lowest stamp prices in the OECD”.
“Australia Post remains committed to maintaining a sustainable, accessible letters service for all Australians while adapting to the ongoing structural decline in letter volumes and increasing number of delivery points.”
davewil1964
·1 week agoC5 prepaid were $1.30 in bulk 16 years ago.
They are now over $4, and will go up again in September.
Accounting for inflation and the rule of 72 (say an average of 6% (ha) that's doubling every 12 years, not the 9 this is), that is serious gouging.