MEDIA RELEASE - DIGITAL ID PROGRAM IN DISARRAY UNDER LABOR

The Albanese Labor Government must stop playing musical chairs with its Digital ID program and focus on delivering this critical reform, following revelations that the Department of Finance has assumed control of the $600 million plus program from the Digital Transformation Agency.

Shadow Minister for Government Services Paul Fletcher said this decision is a clear indication that Labor has no plan to implement this generational reform.

“This is further evidence that the Digital ID program is in disarray under Labor – but this is hardly surprising given the Albanese Government has no Digital Economy Minister and no Digital Economy Strategy” Mr Fletcher said.

“It’s now been confirmed that the Department of Finance secretly downgraded the health of the program from ‘green’ under the Coalition to ‘green/amber’ in December 2022, per new information relating to the Gateway Review released under Freedom of Information.

“Minister Katy Gallagher must explain to industry and taxpayers why the DTA has lost responsibility for this project and when it will be realised.

“Likewise, Government Services Minister Bill Shorten needs to explain what impact this change will have on MyGov, given Digital ID is vital to the efficient and effective delivery of government services.

“The Productivity Commission’s recent 5-year report urged the government to urgently progress Digital ID, as did the MyGov User Audit, but it is clear that these pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

"Likewise, it’s clear that the large-scale Optus and Medibank breaches have failed to get the government to move quickly on this important scheme, despite compelling evidence that Digital ID would help shield business and citizens from the risks of data hoarding.

“Digital ID is a proud Coalition reform. Under our leadership, we established the Australian Government’s first digital identity, MyGovID, and set up the foundations for a truly national,

whole-of-economy ecosystem by delivering a $256 million investment, called the Digital Business Package, as part of the 2020-21 Budget.

“Years of careful work by the Coalition in working with the states and territories through the Data and Digital Ministers Meeting cannot be allowed to go to waste.”

Mr Fletcher said Digital ID has stalled under Labor despite the program first receiving funding in the 2015-16 Budget.

“I’ve seen firsthand the impact India’s Aadhaar digital system has had on its 1.3 billion population, which among other things makes payments faster for citizens and assisted the Government by reducing fraudulent and duplicate claims,” Mr Fletcher said.

“Australia is being left in the dust due to bureaucratic machinations and a lack of leadership."

“Digital ID has the potential to be a game changer for citizens and industry, by saving time and making it easier to complete various transactions. Further delays only serve to undermine confidence in the Government’s technology and innovation agenda.”

ENDS

Media contact: William Sparling | 0416 628 276 | [email protected]