Distinction in travel journalism
Is independent travel journalism important to you?
Click here to keep it independent

23 Oct, 2013

Passport replacement fees waived for Australian bushfire victims

=========

Canberra, 22 October 2013 – Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says all fees will be waived for those seeking to replace current passports lost or destroyed in the bushfires.

“I extend my deepest sympathy to those affected by the bushfires in the Blue Mountains and Central Coast of New South Wales,” Ms Bishop said. “As they attempt to put their lives back together, they may find that important documents, such as their Australian passports have been misplaced, destroyed or irreparably damaged.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will streamline processing of the replacement passports which will have the same expiry date as the original.

Assistance will also be provided to those who, because of the bushfires, have lost important personal documentation that would be required for applications for new or renewing existing passports.

For further information on the procedures involved to replace or obtain a passport, please contact the Australian Passport Information Service (APIS) on 131 232.