Passport fee hike in budget

Australians will pay more for passports from the beginning of next year.

The cost of a new passport will increase by $20 for adults and $10 for children.

Tuesday's federal budget also increases by $54 the cost of priority processing.

The measure raises $172.9 million over four years.

Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will gain extra resources to expand Australia's diplomatic footprint.

There will be a new consulate general in Lae, Papua New Guinea, and at a new location to be decided in China at a cost of $39.4 million.