Senator the Hon Don Farrell

The Special Minister of State, Senator the Hon Don Farrell, has approved changes allowing Australians to use Medicare cards and Australian citizenship certificates to prove their identity for their enrolment.

There are approximately 530,000 eligible Australians not on the electoral roll.

Currently, only limited forms of identification can be used to enrol to vote, such as drivers licences or passports.

This fundamentally disadvantages those who may not have these specific forms of identification, including new migrants, young people aged 18-24, Indigenous Australians, and those with a disability.

From today, every Australian will also be able to use their Medicare card or citizenship certificates to enrol, update their details, and have their say.

Voting is a fundamental right, and the Albanese Government is committed to ensuring all eligible Australians can exercise that right.

Labor fought from opposition to protect our democratic system, improve enrolment and participation, and strengthen our institutions.

The Albanese Government is committed to genuine electoral reform, and will continue to work alongside members of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters to improve our democracy.

To enrol to vote or update details, go to www.aec.gov.au.