The proposed Access Card: why PIAC is unconvinced

1. The Card will not be 'voluntary' - if you wish to access Medicare benefits you will need an access card. The Government estimates that 16.5 million Australian adults will be issued with a card.
2. The cost of implementing will be too costly for the proposed benefits (1.1 billion over 4 years to implement - proposed savings of 1.6-3 billion over 10 years). Some argue that the costs have been underestimated, and the savings from 'fraud reduction' overestimated.
3. Every card will have a biometric photo, and identity details - it will be an identity card. Australians will their details stored in a central database - increasing the risk of information being lost, privacy being invaded and identity fraud.There are presently no clear legal frameworks that will guide the use and the protection of personal information.
4. PIAC is not convinced that the proposed benefits to the public outweigh the substantial security and costs concerns surrounding the project. PIAC is also not convinced that the proposed card represents a proportionate response to the stated concerns surrounding fraud.
5. The card will not resolve the issue of proving identity for people presently without key identity documents. If you can't prove your identity because you don't have sufficient documentation you will not be provided with an access card and you will not be able to access welfare benefits.
6. The card will not be effective against fraud. No system is beyond the ability of people to hack into it.
7. The Government has failed to be transparent. Key reports, such as the KPMG 'business case' which cost taxpayers almost $2 million to produce has been heavily edited. The Privacy Impact Assessment which cost $155,000 has not been released at all. The Government must disclose all material to the public in order to facilitate public discussion around such a significant development in relation to how the Government stores and uses the personal information of individuals.
8. Businesses and other government agencies may have access to information contained on the card - Minister Hockey refuses to stipulate who will have access to information held in the central database. Recent public comments suggest that the functions of the card may be expanded over time - allowing corporations including banks to utilise the card.