Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher

At a meeting today, the data and digital Ministers from the Commonwealth, states and territories agreed on new Digital ID and Verifiable Credentials Strategy that will enable greater use of Digital IDs and Verifiable Credentials, across Australia.

This will help more Australians interact safely and easily online and reduce the impact of scams and frauds for individuals and businesses.

The new Strategy follows the recent passing of the federal government’s Digital ID Act 2024 and the Digital ID (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Act 2024, which are due to commence by 1 December 2024.
A key element of the Strategy is agreement across jurisdictions and the Commonwealth to build and test verifiable credential solutions to a set of common design standards, called ISO standards.

In relation to driver licences, this will make it easier for Australians to prove who they are, how old they are, or other things about them, when they are travelling across different states and territories.

It means, for example, a pub or club in NSW will be able to use the same technology platform to scan a digital driver licence as a pub or club in outback Queensland would to admit patrons.

The ISO standards are international standards, and adopting them across Australia leads to more secure, affordable options for businesses and ease-of-use for consumers, wherever they are in Australia.

Minister for Finance, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, welcomed the outcome.

“I’m very pleased that the states and territories have agreed to the Digital ID and Verifiable Credentials strategy,” she said.

“It will help people engage safely online and use digital services in all states and territories. It will also provide certainty for businesses when interacting with customers.”