Parliament is expected to be busy in the first week of May, with a focus on digital ID and net zero legislation, along with the budget. The Digital ID bill is scheduled to be presented to the Australian lower house of Parliament on Wednesday, May 15th, following the federal budget. This legislation aims to expand Australia’s digital ID system for use by state and territory governments as well as the private sector.
Other bills to be considered include the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill 2024 and the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Bill 2024. This legislative activity coincides with Treasurer Jim Chalmers presenting the Federal Budget on May 14th.
The Labor Party, which controls the House of Representatives, is likely to support the Digital ID Bill 2024, which allows individuals to verify their identity for online transactions with government and businesses. Finance and Government Services Minister Katy Gallagher introduced the bills to the Senate in the final sitting week of 2023, with amendments made following a Senate Committee inquiry.
The amendments include provisions for voluntary use of the digital ID, the ability for individuals to deactivate their ID, and the inclusion of accredited private businesses in the system within two years. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will regulate the digital ID system, accrediting services and enforcing compliance.
While the government emphasizes the need for secure, voluntary, and inclusive digital ID verification, concerns have been raised by Liberal Senator Alex Antic about the potential impact on online transactions, including banking. Despite assurances of voluntary use in the legislation, Senator Antic worries about limitations on access to services like online banking.
Overall, the Digital ID legislation is seen as a major economy-wide reform that will provide economic, security, and privacy benefits for individuals and businesses. The government aims to gradually expand the digital ID system to enable more Australians to verify their identity and access services securely online. Antic pointed out that according to section 74 (2), banks are within the law to require a digital identity for online services, as customers still have the option to visit bank branches. He also highlighted the increasing prominence of online banking in the future, with a likely decrease in physical branches and ATM locations.
The digital ID regulator has the authority to grant exemptions to the voluntary nature of the legislation if deemed appropriate. Exemptions may be considered for small businesses as defined in the Privacy Act, as well as for parties offering services exclusively online.
During a recent digital ID rally, One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts raised concerns about the potential for the system to evolve into a social credit system in the future, exerting complete control over Australian citizens.
Despite these concerns, Ms. Gallagher reassured the public that digital ID is secure and voluntary. She emphasized that digital ID enhances online identity verification for Australians, reducing the amount of personal information shared and held by fewer regulated organizations, thus minimizing the risk of online identity theft.
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