Digital ID bill passes Parliament
Legislation enabling the government's Digital ID system has been passed by both houses of parliament and will take effect in November. This development coincides with the federal government allocating $288.1 million to support the rollout of the scheme. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher highlighted the benefits of a secure Digital ID, noting that it reduces the need to overshare personal information, thereby limiting the number of copies of ID data and documents in circulation. The Digital ID is designed to provide a secure, convenient, voluntary, and inclusive way for individuals to verify their identity in online transactions with both government and businesses. Initially, it will be available to more government entities and later expanded to the private sector, which can apply for accreditation within the next two years.