Privacy 'risk' in national ID plan (The Australian)

James Riley
January 21, 2005 THE identity of Australians could be subjected to unprecedented scrutiny under the biggest security protection plan since the failed Australia Card.

Federal cabinet will soon see a proposal for a national "document verification service" designed to combat identity-related crimes ranging from welfare fraud to terrorism.

It would give federal and state government agencies and key businesses the right to verify the identity of clients by cross-checking birth certificates, drivers' licences and passports through a central data exchange hub.

The Attorney-General's Department is finalising the proposal for the online system.

Airlines, banks and other businesses vulnerable to welfare fraud or terrorism are keen to be part of the project.

The introduction of new-generation passports -- with so-called biometric data including fingerprints or facial features -- means the system could have extraordinary reach over the coming years.

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