Unable to Contact Australia Passport Office Re Renewal Status

[Mrlew]

I applied for a passport renewal 10/3/22 my travelling partner did the same 4 days later. He got his passport after 3 weeks I have just passed 6 weeks and still nothing. I have tried calling numerous times a day for past 2 weeks but regardless of what option I select it eventually (after 30 seconds or so) says they are busy, try again later and just hangs up. There is no way to contact them. I fly in 5 weeks but after seeing various Google reviews of how bad the time taken is recently I can't afford to wait. Numerous cases of 12 weeks plus. Why can't they update the website to a realistic wait time and I would have paid extra to expedite it.. I contacted the Ombudsman (waited 44 mins) this morning and explained the situation. He gave me another number as quick as a flash as though it's a common problem. I tried that number and after a few options I got the same response. The very busy message and the call terminates.

What I want to know is if I lodge an expedited renewal would that work and would I get my first application fee back?

 

[Mrlew]

Just an update. On my 4th attempt this morning to call I managed to get through to the hold music and eventually after 1hr 13mins I got to talk to someone who basically said "I don't know how long it will take, I honestly can't answer that. Worse case scenario is 12-13 weeks" I asked could I pay the expediting fee and was told that wasn't possible. I asked could I submit a new expedited application and was told that would be flagged as a duplicate and both applications would fail. Even current expedited applications are taking 2-3 weeks according to who I spoke to. In the end she said there was nothing I could do but wait. My next question is does travel insurance cover government departments inefficiency and false advertising.

 

[Mrlew]

Update #2
Amazingly on Friday on my 3rd attempt I managed to get into a phone queue. After 1hr 10mins it was answered. I gave my application number and was asked could I pick the passport up in Perth (originally scheduled to be mailed to Albany WA) ill do anything to make it quicker even a 10hr return car trip and $180 in Petrol. It is supposedly gong to be ready within 2 weeks. But they originally said 6 weeks so stay tuned here's hoping. I fly out 29 May.

 

[MH_fan]

@Mrlew Yikes! I feel stressed on your behalf!

 

[mrsterryn]

Welcome to AFF op
Hope your passport arrives soon .

 

[Duffa]

Well.....????? What happened ?