House of Representatives to Discuss Digital ID Bill on Agenda
In the first week of May, Parliament is expected to be busy, with digital ID and net zero legislation, along with the budget, to be considered.
The Digital ID bill will be presented to the Australian lower house of Parliament on Wednesday, May 15, after already passing the Senate.
The bill aims to expand Australia’s digital ID system for use by state and territory governments and the private sector.
Other bills to be discussed include the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill 2024 and the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Bill 2024.
The government is expected to be busy with Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivering the Federal Budget on May 14.
The digital ID bill was supported by Labor, the Greens, Jacquie Lambie, and independents when it passed the Senate, with opposition from the Coalition.
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The Labor Party holds the majority in the House of Representatives, indicating likely support for the legislation.
The Digital ID and Digital ID (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Bills will allow individuals to authenticate their identity for online transactions with government and businesses.
These bills were originally introduced by Finance and Government Services Minister Katy Gallagher in the final sitting week of 2023 and were amended following a Senate Committee inquiry before passing the Senate in March.
According to Ms. Gallagher, the amendments aim to ensure the voluntary use of digital ID and grant individuals the ability to deactivate and control their information.
Accredited private businesses will also be able to join the digital ID system within two years of the legislation taking effect.
Law enforcement’s access to personal information held by digital ID providers will also be restricted under the proposed amendments.
The amendments put forth by Ms. Gallagher were approved by the Senate in late March.
Who Will Regulate the Digital ID?
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will serve as the digital ID regulator, overseeing accreditation, service approvals, and compliance enforcement.
The government highlights the need for secure and convenient online identity verification systems following recent cyber incidents.
The legislation aims to provide robust privacy safeguards and expand the Australian Government Digital ID System to enhance online services access.
An explanatory memorandum notes that the digital ID system will bring economic, security, and privacy benefits for individuals and businesses.
‘Might Not be as Voluntary as they Say’: Liberal Senator
Liberal Senator Alex Antic has raised concerns that the digital identity framework may not be as voluntary as claimed by the government.
Mr. Antic worries that the bill could limit people’s participation in online transactions, including banking.
He points out a provision in the legislation that permits banks to mandate digital identity usage for online services, potentially restricting access for some individuals.
Senator Malcolm Roberts from One Nation also warned about the risk of a social credit system emerging from the digital ID framework.
However, Finance and Government Services Minister Katy Gallagher assures the public that digital ID is secure and voluntary, aiming to reduce the risk of online identity theft.
