Starting on Monday, Australia Post will cut down letter delivery to every second business day.

The significant overhaul in the country's mailing system will see 98 per cent of locations experiencing a drop in the frequency of their mail service, extending the delivery time for ordinary letters by an additional business day.

“Intra-state letters will now take four or five business days, while interstate deliveries will stretch between six to eight days,” Australia Post says, explaining the adjusted timelines which aim to adapt to declining letter volumes. 

Since 2008, letter sending has plummeted by roughly two-thirds, reflecting a broader digital shift in communication.

The revised schedule will not affect Australia Post's commitment to serving rural, regional, and remote areas, where its presence remains mandated. 

However, this move coincides with an increase in postage costs, with ordinary letter stamps rising from $1.20 to $1.50 and large letter stamps from $3.60 to $4.50.

The decision follows successful trials where postal workers managed to carry 20 per cent more parcels per delivery, an Australia Post spokesperson said.

Amid these changes, Australia Post aims to bolster its parcel delivery services, responding to the spike in online shopping. Last year alone, four out of five households purchased goods online.

“[These] changes reflect the way Australians now interact with Australia Post, and will help improve the company’s financial sustainability,” said Communications Minister Michelle Rowland.

For those needing faster mail services, Australia Post will continue to offer a daily priority letter service at a premium rate. 

This adjustment aligns with a recent legal amendment by the federal government, acknowledging the reduced frequency of letter sending among Australians and aiming to ensure the postal service's long-term viability.