Latest News About Australia Departure Tax Increase 2026

I can share what’s been reported recently, but I don’t have live access to up-to-the-minute sources in this moment. Here’s what’s circulating about Australia’s departure tax for 2026 and beyond:

• The Passenger Movement Charge (PMC), Australia’s exit tax, has been discussed in the 2026-27 budget context. Multiple outlets indicate the government proposed raising the PMC from 70 to 80 AUD, effective January 1, 2027, which would increase the exit cost for travelers leaving Australia after that date. Some reports explicitly cite a $10 increase and note it would apply to both air and sea departures. If true, this change would add roughly $10 to the price of a departure per passenger, with exemptions applying to certain travelers (e.g., children under a certain age, foreign military personnel, airline crew in some cases) as have existed historically. These points appear across several outlets discussing the budget and PMC changes. [sources reflect coverage like Mogaz and other aggregators; the core figure is a $10 rise to $80 from Jan 1, 2027.][1][3][5]

• Several tax/news outlets and industry sites have echoed the same figure: PMC increasing to $80 from $70, effective 2027, with the government estimating the measure would raise additional revenue over a multi-year horizon. The exact allocation of the additional revenue is not always detailed, which is typical for PMCs, but the increase is framed as part of budget repair measures.[3][8]

• There is a mix of reporting quality around the background and rationale. Some sources present the PMC increase in straightforward terms, while others (including some commentary/video content) frame it within broader overseas-residency and tax-planning discussions. If you’re planning travel or residency changes, it’s wise to verify against the Department of Finance or Australian Taxation Office (ATO) updates when they publish the final budget measures and any implementing regulations.[2][7][1]

What this means for you

• If you or your clients plan to depart Australia after January 1, 2027, the PMC you pay at booking or at checkout could be AUD 80 per traveler (adult or child), depending on how airlines present the charge on tickets. Travelers often see PMC included in their total fare, so the impact will be embedded in the price you pay for the ticket.[1][3]

• Some travelers may still qualify for exemptions or refunds in specific scenarios, but the standard practice has been that most departures are taxed. Always check the latest official guidance for any exemptions that might apply to minors, special personnel, or accidental arrivals, as rules can evolve.[1]

Would you like me to pull the most current official government notices or a few updated news articles to confirm the latest details and any changes to exemptions or implementation timelines? I can also summarize how this PMC change could affect your travel budget or help you model your departures if you’re planning trips.

Citations:

• Reports noting PMC increase to $80 from $70 effective Jan 1, 2027.[3][1]
• Budget context and revenue implications of the PMC change.[5][3]
• General coverage of how PMC is collected and who pays.[2][1]