The National Access Card is back in the news and on the move. The Government plans to introduce legislation today, but apparently faced some strong questioning from several of its own MPs in the party room yesterday (the Australian: Coalition MPs attack proposed ID card).
According to a report in today's Australian Financial Review, the Prime Minister muddied the water at the meeting when he cited combating terrorism as a key reason why the community would accept the card. This despite the fact that the Government has spent months explaining that the card was an access not an ID card.
The new Minister for Human Services, Senator Campbell on ABC's "AM" this morning said that some further changes had been made following consultation with Professor Fels, the Chairman of the Consumer and Privacy Task Force. The inclusion of a date of birth on the face of the card will now be optional.
The Government in introducing the legislation will no doubt seek to answer the many queries and criticisms made in submissions on the draft bill.
This blog takes an interest in issues associated with Freedom of Information (FOI) and privacy legislation in Australia. Information contained on this site is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Follow Peter Timmins on Twitter: @foiguru Follow the open government cause through the Australian Open Government Partnership Network. www.opengovernment.org.au and @opengovau
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