Parliament of Australia Approves National Digital Identity Legislation

Australia’s House of Representatives has passed the national digital ID law, which will embed the new online identification program into law.

The digital ID is supposed to replace the need for physical IDs, and is linked with government services such as MyGov, Centrelink, Medicare, and the Australian Tax Office (ATO).

The government has allocated $288.1 million (US$197 million) from the federal budget to roll out the program.

Live minutes from the nation’s lower house showed 87 members of Parliament voting in favour of the Bill, with 56 members voting “no.”

A day earlier, the legislation was sent to the smaller Federation Chamber for debate, before landing back in the House for a final vote.

Related Stories

During the Chamber debate, Nationals MP Pat Conaghan said voters in his electorate were concerned about the digital ID.

“These are mums and dads, grandmothers and grandfathers, business owners and farmers. Every day people out there are coming to talk to me about their concerns.”

However, Labor MP Graham Perrett argued the legislation was overdue, secure, and “fully voluntary.”

“If you have a digital ID, you have a secure and convenient way to verify your identity when using online services. A digital ID takes the place of identifying yourself via traditional methods such as your birth certificate, your passport or your driver’s licence,” he said.

Private businesses will be able to join Australia’s digital ID system within two years of the law being enacted, according to the government.

Individuals Could be Forced onto the Program: Senator

Previously, Liberal Senator Alex Antic raised concerns the Digital ID Bill would not remain voluntary, despite section 74 of the law saying it would remain so.

But exceptions to this are available.

One such exception under section 74 (2) is if a person can still access the service without creating a digital ID.

“Because Jacob can verify his identity by going to his nearest branch instead, ABC Bank does not contravene subsection (1).”

Senator Antic said this would compel many people to set up a digital ID because physical bank branches are now closing at a quick rate.

Another area of concern for Mr. Antic was that a “digital ID regulator” could grant an exemption where they were “satisfied that it is appropriate to do so.”

“That’s hardly comforting. It’s simply up to the regulator, to determine whether making a digital ID mandatory is appropriate or not,” the senator said.

However, Labor Senator Katy Gallagher has maintained that the digital ID would be a safe way for Australians to operate online.

“‘Australians will be sharing less personal information, which is held by fewer organisations, that are subject to stronger regulation—reducing the chance of identity theft online,” she said.

“‘It’s the Albanese government that is delivering a scheme which is safe, voluntary and will protect Australians in an increasingly online world.”