The federal government is allocating an additional $145.5 million over the next four years to further develop and expand the Digital ID system and scheme, supplementing the existing expenditure of over $600 million. The primary allocation involves $67 million directed towards the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), enabling it to assume its designated role as the Digital ID regulator starting mid-2024.
Another $56 million is designated for the Attorney-General’s Department to sustain the ongoing operation of Identity Matching Services, which verify identity against government-held credentials such as passports and driver licenses. Additionally, $3.3 million is earmarked to enhance the credential protection register, allowing the government to respond to future data breaches and support victims of identity crime, aligning with the recently unveiled federal cybersecurity strategy.
The remaining $19.5 million, though not detailed, is specified to cover various needs, including unspecified Information and Communication Technology (ICT) updates to myGovID, awareness activities surrounding Digital ID, and support for the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and the Department of the Treasury.
This augmented funding coincides with the introduction of digital identity legislation in the Senate. The legislation aims to govern the broader application of Digital ID, extending beyond limited federal government use cases to encompass states, territories, and the private sector, with appropriate accreditation. Finance Minister and Senator Katy Gallagher emphasized that the bill intends to replace the existing unlegislated policy framework with a legislated accreditation scheme, ensuring only trustworthy entities are accredited to provide Digital ID services. The proposed legislation is currently under consideration by the Senate Economics Legislation Committee, with a report expected by February 28 next year. The government envisions Digital ID as a secure, convenient, voluntary, and inclusive method for Australians to verify their identity online, eliminating the need for repetitive submission of sensitive documents in various online interactions.
