The Australian Senate has approved a Digital ID Bill, marking the establishment of Australia’s first digital identity scheme for implementation across the private sector and various states and territories.
The bill, initially drafted three years ago, faced significant revisions before it passed on March 28 with the backing of several independent senators, the Jacqui Lambie Party, and the Greens.
According to the Labor government, the bill aims to enhance the existing digital ID accreditation scheme and establish a legislative framework for the expansion of the current digital ID system. It aims to ‘enhance privacy, safeguard consumers, and reinforce governance of the scheme.’
The scheme will be voluntary, and an amendment, as stated by Greens Senator David Shoebridge, will ensure that service providers are obliged to have a comparable non-digital service available.
Australia's government has proposed a tentative rollout date for July 1st, 2024. The amended bill still needs house approval.
