Legislation is required to expand the System to a whole-of-economy solution so that all levels of government and private sector—especially small and medium business—can participate and share in the efficiencies and benefits that Digital Identity will bring for them and the community. 

The proposed legislation will enshrine in law privacy and consumer safeguards to instil greater trust in the System as it expands to include more services and sectors, accelerating an economy-wide rollout. 

The legislation also provides necessary authority for government to expand, maintain and regulate the System. It establishes permanent governance arrangements for the System, to be guided by principles of independence, transparency and accountability. 

The release of this exposure draft is an important next step in a multi-year journey of consultation and we’re asking for feedback on the draft legislation and the accompanying documents to make sure our System meets expectations of Australian’s and Australian businesses. 

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert said that the Australian Government Digital Identity System has the potential to change the way that Australians and Australian businesses engage with the government services they need, and with each other, online. 

‘A whole-of-economy digital identity solution is a game-changer. A thriving digital economy drives growth enabling businesses to prosper, provide more job opportunities for Australians, and connect emerging industries and technologies from across the world. 

‘We have been actively engaging all interested parties throughout the consultation process and this commitment to co-design and ongoing conversation continues with the opportunity to comment on the proposed legislation. 

‘The work achieved in this space, and the future opportunities that legislation will enable, are critical parts of the Australian Government’s ambition for our nation to be a leading digital economy and society by 2030,’ Minister Robert said. 

Submissions are open until 5:00 pm AEDT on Wednesday 27 October 2021. 

Go to digitalidentity.gov.au/have-your-say for more information.