Had a very interesting situation just recently after getting new passport in Oz.Went to Jomtien Immigration to have my retirement visa transferred from old passport to new passport.Lady says to me you have letter say u have new passport,i say what you talking about,this new passport issued Melbourne 8th November what i need letter for,then she show me you need letter same from embassy to say your old passport is cancelled and new passport is legit.So i go Oz embassy in BKK explain situation,ask for letter,lady at embassy tell me they don't issue letters anymore,they put stamp in old passport saying this passport is now cancelled then insert number of new passport.Go back to Jomtien Immigration all good.I don't know how long this situation been in place or what countries it may apply to,any aussies getting new passport and require visa transferred from old passport to new one, may be something to b aware of,i'm sure the Oz passport offices wouldn't issue any such letters.