Smartcards On The Cards Again?
Smartcards On The Cards Again?
March 27th, 2006: In the wake of cyclone Larry the debate about a national “smart card” has sparked up again.
The smartcard, which is under consideration by the Government this week, will reportedly be able to be used like an Eftpos card for every financial transaction with the Government. Making use of a small chip instead of a magnetic strip, the card will feature a photograph of the owner on the card, similar to a drivers license, and a photo stored in the chip.
It could also contain low-level medical details such as blood types and allergies, but it would not contain biometric information such as a fingerprint or iris scan.
The smartcard has the support of many government departments including Treasury and Finance, and is being championed due to its ability to help distribute aid after disasters such as the cyclone, to stamp out identity theft and streamline processes for benefits such as Centrelink, aged pensions and Medicare.
The Government is stressing that the card is not an ID card like the one under development by Attorney-General Philip Ruddock. Nor is it a health card storing detailed patient information. However, the technological features and photo identification required for fraud protection coupled with the fact that up to 20 million cards will be distributed to Australians over the age of 18 is raising concern that if implemented, the smartcard could be the thin edge of the wedge for a national ID card.
If adopted it will replace up to 19 other cards such as Medicare cards and pension cards currently in circulation and will not be compulsory. However, considering it will be needed to make any financial transaction with the Government, it might as well be.
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