A perfect example of "function creep", where the Medicare card
used for the health system can be expanded to become a "government
services" card. No card? No services?

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Medicare blueprint for ID

Simon Hayes and Steve Lewis

JULY 19, 2005

THE Howard Government's new Medicare card, to be distributed to 11
million Australians next year, could become the blueprint for a new
national identity card.

The new Medicare "smart cards" could include a photograph of the
holder, with the Government considering expanding its use to become a
"government services" card.

"People will have a choice of a photo on the front of the card, or
stored on the chip," Human Services Minister Joe Hockey told The
Australian. "We are looking at something a little more complex than a
dumb Australia Card."

The card's roll-out, scheduled for next year, will be used to build up
expertise for the possible introduction of a national security card
containing "biometric" data, such as fingerprints.

The Australian has also learned that cabinet considered a $376 million
plan to crack down on "identity fraud" as part of the Government's
fight against terrorism and welfare fraud.

A confidential cabinet document reveals a comprehensive plan to
"address identity misuse" was carefully examined in the lead-up to
last year's budget.

The strategy included implementing a national standard to reduce the
forgery of "identity documents" and thwart criminal efforts to use a
person's legitimate identity for "illegal" purposes.

The leaked document shows the Government was sensitive to suggestions
the plan would be seen as a de facto Australia Card - the national ID
card considered, then abandoned, in the 1980s.

"The strategy does not involve a national identifier or 'Australia
Card'," the submission says.

But the cabinet submission, prepared by the Attorney-General's
Department and obtained by The Australian, also shows it was
considered as part of a broader anti-terrorism strategy.
[...]

Full article at "Australian IT"
australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,15974191%5E15306%5E%5Enbv%5E,00.html


Cheers, Steve..

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