Digital ID Repeal Bill 2024

High-Level Summary
The bill proposes to repeal the Digital ID Act 2024 and its associated transitional and consequential provisions, effectively dismantling the nascent digital identification system in Australia. It aims to prevent the establishment of a system perceived as a mandatory digital ID for participating in society.

Summary
The Digital ID Repeal Bill 2024 seeks to revoke the Digital ID Act 2024 and the Digital ID (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Act 2024. Schedule 1 of the Bill repeals the Digital ID Act 2024 entirely, and Schedule 2 addresses the repeal of the transitional and consequential provisions related to the Digital ID system. This includes reversing amendments made to several existing acts, such as the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977, Age Discrimination Act 2004, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979, Competition and Consumer Act 2010, Privacy Act 1988, and Taxation Administration Act 1953. The bill ensures that the repeal is non-retrospective, taking effect either simultaneously with or immediately following the commencement of the Digital ID Act 2024.

Argument For
Normative Bases
  1. Non-Discrimination
  2. Pro-Democracy

The bill should be supported because it upholds the principle of non-discrimination by preventing a potentially mandatory digital ID system that could exclude individuals who choose not to participate. By repealing the Digital ID framework, the bill promotes democratic values, ensuring that Australians are not coerced into a centralised identification system as a precondition for engaging in basic societal activities. The repeal maintains individual freedom and autonomy by allowing citizens to decide how their identification information is managed without government compulsion [Judgment].


Argument Against
Normative Bases
  1. Intellectualism
  2. Environmentalism

The bill should be opposed because it potentially hinders technological progress and innovation in digital identity verification, which could streamline processes and enhance security in both the public and private sectors. A well-implemented digital ID system can facilitate more efficient service delivery and reduce the environmental impact of paper-based identification systems through digital transformation. Repealing the Digital ID system may delay advancements and improvements in how identification is managed and verified in Australia, ultimately slowing down the nation's digital evolution and environmental sustainability efforts [Judgment].


Date:

2024-06-26

Chamber:

Senate

Status:

Before Senate

Sponsor:

ANTIC, Sen Alex; BABET, Sen Ralph; CANAVAN, Sen Matthew; HANSON, Sen Pauline; RENNICK, Sen Gerard; ROBERTS, Sen Malcolm

Portfolio:

Unspecified

Categories:

Civics, Discrimination / Human Rights, Science / Technology

Timeline:
26/06/2024
27/08/2025

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