Australia Allocates $145 Million for ‘Voluntary’ Digital ID Program

Australia has introduced Digital ID legislation into the Senate, with the government allocating $145.5 million in taxpayer funds to support the digital ID system. Described as “secure, convenient, voluntary, and inclusive,” this system is not a card or unique number and doesn’t represent a new form of ID. A legislative framework allows Australians to verify their identity for online transactions with government and business, and the bill also provides the Minister with the power to regulate other services under this system.
The proposal to refer the legislation to the Economics Legislation Committee acknowledges that the digital ID is a significant economy-wide reform, generating substantial interest from a wide range of participants. In February of 2024, the Digital ID Bill 2023 was sent to the Economics Committee for consideration.
Finance and Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher stressed the bill’s aim of reducing the amount of information necessary to verify one’s ID, and the establishment of the ACCC to regulate the system. Meanwhile, One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts expressed concerns regarding privacy and security and attempted to extend the inquiry period for the legislation.



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