How will this change to Australia Post’s stamps impact your wallet? Here’s what the ACCC just approved
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If you’re someone who still enjoys sending a handwritten letter, birthday card, or parcel to loved ones, you might want to sit down for this one.
Australia Post is set to increase the price of stamps next month, and the change has just been given the green light by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
It’s the latest in a string of cost-of-living adjustments that’s likely to hit regular senders—especially seniors—the hardest.
What’s changing and why?
From next month, the cost of a standard stamp for a small letter will jump from $1.50 to $1.70—a rise of just over 13%.
While this might not sound like much at first glance, it’s the biggest single increase in recent years and will certainly add up for those who still rely on snail mail, whether it’s for keeping in touch, paying bills, or sending out those all-important Christmas cards.
The ACCC, which is responsible for making sure price hikes are fair and justified, says that even with the increase, Australia’s stamp prices are still lower than the average in other developed countries.
For comparison, the average price of a single postage stamp in OECD countries is $1.93, so we’re still a little below the global average.
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Why the price hike?
According to the ACCC and Australia Post, the main reason for the increase is that the national letter service is actually running at a loss.
Fewer and fewer Australians are sending letters these days—Australia Post says the average household now receives just two letters a week.
With the rise of email, online billing, and instant messaging, it’s no surprise that the humble letter is becoming a rare sight in the mailbox.
Despite the decline in letter-sending, Australia Post still has to maintain a vast delivery network across the country, which is expensive. The price hike is intended to help cover these costs and keep the service running for those who still need it.
What about vulnerable Australians?
‘We are especially mindful of the impact price changes can have on vulnerable Australians and so our decision paper recommends that Australia Post increases the number of concession stamps per customer, which is currently capped at 50 per year,’ ACCC commissioner Anna Brakey said.
‘We understand that these price increases will mean extra costs for consumers,’ she said.
That’s why they’ve recommended that Australia Post increase the number of concession stamps each customer can buy (currently capped at 50 per year).
Concession stamps will remain at $3 for a pack of five, and seasonal greeting card stamps will stay at 65 cents, so there’s some relief for those who rely on these options.
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How will businesses be affected?
It’s not just individuals who’ll feel the pinch. Many businesses—especially those required by law to send physical letters, like banks and government agencies—will also face higher costs.
The ACCC has urged Australia Post to work closely with these organisations, ensuring they’re kept in the loop about any changes and can plan accordingly.
What are the new prices?
Here’s a quick summary of the new prices coming into effect next month:
Not quite. While the ACCC has approved the increase, the final decision still rests with Communications Minister Anika Wells, who is currently reviewing the matter.
'The Government notes the ACCC’s decision and is giving the matter due consideration,' a spokesperson for the Minister said.
In earlier news: Australia Post hints at price jumps for several services
Do you still send letters or cards by post? Will this price hike change your habits? Are you worried about the cost, or do you think it’s a fair move given the decline in letter-sending? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Australia Post is set to increase the price of stamps next month, and the change has just been given the green light by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
It’s the latest in a string of cost-of-living adjustments that’s likely to hit regular senders—especially seniors—the hardest.
What’s changing and why?
From next month, the cost of a standard stamp for a small letter will jump from $1.50 to $1.70—a rise of just over 13%.
While this might not sound like much at first glance, it’s the biggest single increase in recent years and will certainly add up for those who still rely on snail mail, whether it’s for keeping in touch, paying bills, or sending out those all-important Christmas cards.
The ACCC has approved an Australia Post stamp price increase, with the cost of a basic small letter stamp rising from $1.50 to $1.70 from next month. Image source: 9 News Australia / Youtube.
The ACCC, which is responsible for making sure price hikes are fair and justified, says that even with the increase, Australia’s stamp prices are still lower than the average in other developed countries.
For comparison, the average price of a single postage stamp in OECD countries is $1.93, so we’re still a little below the global average.
Also read: Australia’s guardians and public trustees are being weaponised under a veil of secrecy
Why the price hike?
According to the ACCC and Australia Post, the main reason for the increase is that the national letter service is actually running at a loss.
Fewer and fewer Australians are sending letters these days—Australia Post says the average household now receives just two letters a week.
With the rise of email, online billing, and instant messaging, it’s no surprise that the humble letter is becoming a rare sight in the mailbox.
Despite the decline in letter-sending, Australia Post still has to maintain a vast delivery network across the country, which is expensive. The price hike is intended to help cover these costs and keep the service running for those who still need it.
Prices for large letters are also going up, with letters up to 125g increasing from $3.00 to $3.40, and those between 125g and 250g rising from $4.50 to $5.10. Image source: 9 News Australia / Youtube.
What about vulnerable Australians?
‘We are especially mindful of the impact price changes can have on vulnerable Australians and so our decision paper recommends that Australia Post increases the number of concession stamps per customer, which is currently capped at 50 per year,’ ACCC commissioner Anna Brakey said.
‘We understand that these price increases will mean extra costs for consumers,’ she said.
That’s why they’ve recommended that Australia Post increase the number of concession stamps each customer can buy (currently capped at 50 per year).
Concession stamps will remain at $3 for a pack of five, and seasonal greeting card stamps will stay at 65 cents, so there’s some relief for those who rely on these options.
Also read: Petrol price hits $2 mark as Middle East conflict drives global oil surge
How will businesses be affected?
It’s not just individuals who’ll feel the pinch. Many businesses—especially those required by law to send physical letters, like banks and government agencies—will also face higher costs.
The ACCC has urged Australia Post to work closely with these organisations, ensuring they’re kept in the loop about any changes and can plan accordingly.
What are the new prices?
Here’s a quick summary of the new prices coming into effect next month:
- Standard small letter stamp: $1.70 (up from $1.50)
- Large letters up to 125g: $3.40 (up from $3.00)
- Ordinary large letters 125g–250g: $5.10 (up from $4.50)
- Concession stamps: $3 for five stamps (unchanged)
- Seasonal greeting card stamps: 65c (unchanged)
Not quite. While the ACCC has approved the increase, the final decision still rests with Communications Minister Anika Wells, who is currently reviewing the matter.
'The Government notes the ACCC’s decision and is giving the matter due consideration,' a spokesperson for the Minister said.
In earlier news: Australia Post hints at price jumps for several services
Do you still send letters or cards by post? Will this price hike change your habits? Are you worried about the cost, or do you think it’s a fair move given the decline in letter-sending? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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