Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Assistant Treasurer, upon notice, on 11 March 2011:

With reference to the practice of identity theft for the purpose of stealing from superannuation accounts:

(1) How many cases of identity theft resulting in financial loss occurred in each of the following financial years: (a) 2007-08; (b) 2008-09; (c) 2009-10; and (d)    the period from 1 July 2010 to 1 March 2011.

(2) What was the total amount stolen in each of the above periods.

Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting the Minister for Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Assistant Treasurer has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

The information requested cannot be conclusively determined because of the nature and operation of identity theft activity. The difficulty lies in the fact that in order to collect such information the person affected must be aware that their identity has been stolen and then be aware that their superannuation savings may be at risk. Further once a person is aware, there are a number of steps they may take including reporting the matter to their superannuation fund which may then settle the matter privately. Individuals may also contact the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to report that their identity may have been compromised. The ATO is able to take measures to prevent any further activity occurring against the individual's identity through its systems.

The ATO is aware of the following cases of identity theft for the purposes of stealing superannuation savings: