Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Roberts for the question. As you'd know, Senator Roberts, the digital ID legislation has not come into effect yet. It doesn't come into effect until 1 December this year. Essentially, we've legislated the existing system, which was unregulated. That's what we've done with that legislation.

There is a requirement, in the legislation, to continue to provide alternative opportunities or ways for people to engage with government for their personal use. Of course, businesses already engaging with the tax office do use the myGovID system, but, for your personal use, the law is very clear that there must be alternative ways provided for the community to engage with government. That has been made very clear across government.

I would say that, if you want to forward me that constituent's issue, even if it's de-identified, I'd be very happy to look at it, but we have been very clear that it is a voluntary system, it is a safe system and it is a secure system. It's simply a means of verifying yourself in a way that gives you control of your own documentation. So, instead of having all your ID documents photocopied or emailed around the place, you are the one verifying your identity and you're able to hold those documents to yourself. It's actually a much safer way of engaging with government than paper based systems, and I am very hopeful that more people will take it up once the legislation and the regulator are in place. Of course, once that legislation is enacted, there will be a regulator. The ACCC will perform that role. So there would be the ability to make complaints and have those complaints investigated.