Media Release
Your Card - Your Security
08 November 2006
Minister for Human Services, The Hon. Joe Hockey MP, today announced that the Australian Government has delivered on its promise to make the new health and social services card 'Your Card'.
"I have always said that this will be your card," Minister Hockey said. "Today's decision to vest ownership of the card in the individual meets that commitment."
Addressing the National Press Club in Canberra , Minister Hockey said Australians want to be confident that their security and identity is protected by the new card.
"This is the reason we have decided to vest ownership of the card in the individual. This is the reason we intend to set it out in legislation.
"Your card will be unique to you; it will have your photo on it so no one else can use it. This will be a more secure system to protect people's identity."
"We presently have a significant problem with quality and quantity of fake Medicare cards being produced. It is too easy for people to use fake Medicare cards as false proof of identity because there is no photo on it."
Minister Hockey said Australians will also be able to customise the new health and social services card to suit their needs.
"You will be able to securely store information in the chip on the card such as emergency contact details, allergies, organ donor status or date of birth.
"It will be up to each person as to whether they include this detail but the feedback we have received shows Australians want this convenience."
Minister Hockey also today released the Government's response to the first report from the Consumer and Privacy Taskforce headed by Professor Allan Fels.
The report, Issues and Recommendations in Relation to Architecture Questions of the Access Card, made 26 recommendations. The Government has accepted 22 of those, rejected two andpartially-supported one. One is still under consideration.
"Where we have rejected the recommendations, we have done so in favour of the convenience of the consumer," Minister Hockey said.
"A key theme from consultations with stakeholders has been the need to keep people informed about the card."
"For this reason, I am today launching an information programme, including a simple brochure explaining the card, which will be available in Medicare, Centrelink and Department of Veterans' Affairs offices."
"The information is also available on the new website at http://www.accesscard.gov.au/."
"I encourage people to read the information and provide their feedback."
Contact: James Chessell - Media Advisor - 0437 978 028.