Australia Post Says Stamp Hike Would Barely Affect Households as Letter Volumes Fall to 1930s Levels

Australia Post has defended its proposal to raise the price of a standard stamp, arguing the change would have almost no impact on households at a time when traditional letter volumes have plunged to levels not seen since the late 1930s. All information has been verified with a trusted, up‑to‑date source.

The postal service says consumers now send fewer than 3 per cent of all letters, with the overwhelming majority generated by businesses and government agencies. With Australians increasingly turning to digital communication, letter volumes fell another 11.7 per cent in the 2024-25 financial year, excluding election mail.

Australia Post estimates the average household buys only about five full‑rate stamps a year, meaning the proposed price rise would add roughly 75 cents annually to the typical family’s costs. Concession stamps and seasonal greeting stamps would remain unchanged at 60 cents and 65 cents, and the organisation has expanded the annual allocation of concession stamps from 50 to 75 for eligible customers.

The postal service also pointed to global trends, noting that postal operators worldwide are grappling with the same steep decline in traditional mail services.

The ACCC has opened a new consultation period before making a final decision on the proposal, as Australia Post continues to argue that reform is essential to keep the national postal network financially sustainable.