The federal government’s timing is off with its latest proposal to charge Australians flying overseas an extra $10, travel industry leaders say.
The government introduced legislation to parliament on Wednesday to impose the $80 fee on departing Australians and international visitors, up from $70.
It’s a major blow to hardworking Australians and international visitors, Tourism and Transport Forum boss Margy Osmond says.
“Making international travel to and from Australia more expensive is the last thing we should be doing right now. This hurts our industry at the worst possible time,” Ms Osmond said.
“Travel is not getting cheaper. Airlines, tourism operators and the broader visitor economy is facing higher fuel, labour, insurance and other operating costs”.
Introducing the bill, Customs Minister Julian Hill said the change would increase revenue by $755 million over four years.
“This is a considered and responsible measure that will contribute to the continued economic prosperity of Australia,” he said.
The additional fee would begin on January 1, 2027 but came at the wrong time, Australian Airports Association boss Simon Westaway said.
“Household budgets are already stretched, any increase to this passenger tax needs to be carefully considered because it risks making overseas travel more expensive for regular families wanting to take a holiday,” he said.
Passengers exempt from the government’s exit toll include those aged 11 and under, foreign government officials and layover passengers not subject to customs and immigration processing.
The last increase to the departure charge was in 2024 when it rose from $60 to $70.
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