The aftermath of the pandemic has produced extensive passport delays due to poor planning, according to a recent report. The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) released a report in 2023-24 that found the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) failed to meet its target of processing 95 percent of regular passports within ten business days. The report attributed this inefficiency to increased costs per passport, reduced staff productivity, and delays in hiring and training staff after the international border reopened.
In response to the report, Senator Simon Birmingham accused the Albanese Labor Government of offering poor services while raising passport fees for Australians. He criticized the government for hiking the price of passports twice while Australians were experiencing prolonged waiting times for their passports. He called for a reversal of the significant passport price increase until the government thoroughly addressed the report’s recommendations.
The report proposes that DFAT measure the time taken for applicants to receive their passports, from application to collection. DFAT has agreed to all nine recommendations from the report. Meanwhile, Australia Post stated that passport processing times have returned to pre-pandemic levels, but processing times may vary during busy travel.
DFAT acting secretary Craig Maclachlan admitted that the department struggled with outdated technologies and lacked digital capabilities to handle the unprecedented post-pandemic surge in demand. He expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to the community and individuals during this time.
On the other hand, Assistant Foreign Minister Tim Watts criticized the previous Coalition government for mishandling the Australian Passport Office by inadequately preparing for the surge in demand. He pointed out that due to their lack of planning, Australians had to wait an average of 50 days to receive a passport during the peak backlog.