Smart Card to be introduced in Australia, page 1

The Australian government recently took the first legislative step to introduce the 'Smart Card', which will replace up to 17 existing cards; but a Liberal backbencher, Bronwyn Bishop, is concerned that it could easily change into a National Identity card. Prime Minister Howard has stated that it will not be used as a National Identity card.

TheAge.com.au
A NEW "smart card" with photo ID and a computer chip that people would need for every financial transaction with the Federal Government will be considered by cabinet this week.

The cabinet submission includes a review from KPMG. The review found that without a photo on the card, there was limited chance of effectively cracking down on fraud and it would not be worth the cost.

People will have to register and be photographed, as they are for a driver's licence. The photo would be on the card and in the chip, but the card would not contain information such as fingerprints or iris scans.

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I'm not exactly all for this. Sure, if it can get rid of 17 other cards, great, but I think introducing this is a major step towards a national ID.
The government says that it will not be compulsory to have one, but when they say that they sure don't mention that you must have one by 2010 to be able to claim health and welfare benefits.

Perhaps I'm just seeing ghosts where there are no ghosts, but all in all, I am opposed to this.

Related News Links:
SMH.com.au
ABC.net.au
TheAge.com.au
SkyNews.com.au

Related AboveTopSecret.com Discussion Threads:
2 more years untill we get our National ID
Australian 'smart cards'
Australia: "Smart Cards" to be Reality within 4 years for most citizens

[edit on 7-2-2007 by UM_Gazz]