Gippsland › Latest news › Russell Broadbent MP

Can we trust the Federal government's Trusted Digital Identity Bill to protect privacy and security?

The federal government's Trusted Digital Identity Bill has been drafted to underpin a new Digital Identity System designed to protect our privacy and security.

By news@gippsland - 17th November 2022 - Back to News

According to the PR spin, this system will keep my personal information safe, replace the need for multiple logins, and make getting things done with the government faster and easier. Perhaps. So, what's not to love about a government that says it will make your life easier and safer? Plenty if you ask me.

The Trusted Digital Identity Bill has the potential to give governments unprecedented access to not only to our private and personal data but other information

Unprecedented access

In August, 5 million AFP emails and documents were hacked, exposing agents working to stop international drug cartels from operating in Australia. The Australian Financial Review has reported that the Tax Office is battling as many as 3 million attempted cyber hacks every month. And no one will forget Optus and Medibank.

This Bill has the potential to give governments unprecedented access to not only our private and personal data but other information which is simply none of their business. Spending habits, vaccination status and location data come to mind. That is a great deal of personal information to consolidate in one place. I ask, is this wise? Dare I ask the impact on the nation if this system is hacked?

While the Bill's Exposure Draft states that engagement with the system is voluntary, my guess is that it will be voluntary until it isn't. I joined the Liberal party in 1980 because I believed - and believe even more so today - that where possible, the government should stay out of people's lives.