News
No to ID cards
Australian prime minister John Howard has confirmed that his government will not implement a compulsory national ID card scheme
As an MP Howard had originally opposed the idea of a national ID card when the concept was first mooted back in the mid 1980s, but had said he would reconsider their viability in the wake of last year's London bombings.
However, while the prime minister has now ruled out the possibility of the government enforcing ID cards he has announced the introduction of a new 'access card' which all Australians will need to hold in order to receive healthcare and welfare by 2010. The card will replace the 17 health and social services cards and vouchers currently in use across the Human Services portfolio.
As well as a digital photograph the card will include a microchip which will store data such as address, date of birth and the details of any children or dependants.
The new card will be phased in over a two-year period starting in 2008.
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19 December 2006