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The Australian Government will step up its efforts to combat identity theft by developing a national strategy combating the fraudulent use of stolen and assumed identities, the Attorney-General Philip Ruddock and Minister for Justice and
Customs Chris Ellison announced today.

The Government believes identity security is an issue of critical concern to all Australians. Identity fraud was estimated by AUSTRAC in 2001-02 to cost Australia $1.1 billion.

For individual victims of identity crime, the impact can be devastating, both emotionally and financially, as it can often take years and cost thousands of dollars to restore their good names.

Effective identity security measures are critically important for national security, law enforcement and the fair and efficient provision of government services and collection of revenue.

It is central to our security and economic interests that the identities of citizens, legitimate residents and visitors seeking access to government or commercial services, benefits, official documents and positions of trust, can be accurately
verified.

The Government plans to develop a national strategy as a matter of priority to enhance identification and verification processes. It also will ensure a coordinated approach by Commonwealth agencies, many of which are already addressing identity fraud.

In the next 12-18 months, the Government will examine a number of key areas
including:

1. documents presented as proof of identity;
2. security features on proof of identity documents;
3. document verification;
4. improving the accuracy of information on government databases; and
5. authentication of individuals accessing services.

The strategy will be developed in partnership with State and Territory Governments recognising their responsibility for primary identification documents such as birth certificates, fact of death data and drivers' licences. The private sector will also be consulted.

The proposals will be developed in consultation with the Federal Privacy Commissioner to ensure the rights of individuals to privacy are protected.