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. Australia Post plans to increase the basic postage rate from $1.70 to $1.85 from September 1, 2026. Australia Post said letter volumes hade fallen to levels not seen since the late 1930s. Australia Post said in a statement the "ongoing decline in letter volumes has now reached levels not seen in Australia since the late 1930s". "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."