Passport in Washing Machine! Oops!?

G'day guys,

I did a really stupid thing last night. . .

I came back from the local pub, and because my drivers licence has been expired for two years, I had to use my passport for ID. Now, I was really tired and I'd forgotten that I left my passport in my jeans pocket, and I tossed my jeans in the wash. This morning I look through wash, and find little bits of plasticy paper inside, and then found out it was my passport.

I still had three years left on my Australian passport, but I was wondering if anyone knew wether I just had to put in a 'Renewing Passport" application, or if I had to start from scratch, because I went to the post office this morning and one lady told me that I had to fill out a RENEWAL form, the other told me I had to get an application for a "NEW" passport.

SO, I was wondering if anyone had this problem?

I tried calling Sydney Passport Office at the Immigration centre, but I was on hold forever, and I wanted to try this - as it might be quicker (and hopefully I don't have to spend lots of money on call waiting for two hours!)

ANYWHO!

Thank you!

Muchly appreciated if anyone has any clues?!