Fed: Privacy fears over smartcard roll out

AAP General News (Australia)
04-21-2005
Fed: Privacy fears over smartcard roll out

Federal government plans to roll out an all-in-one Medicare smartcard across the country
have fuelled privacy fears.

The smartcard -- which allows users to claim their Medicare rebate at the GP -- is
currently on trial in Tasmania.

Human Services Minister JOE HOCKEY announced this week he's wants to extend it to other
states as part of a broader plan to reduce paperwork in major health and welfare agencies.

But the Australian Democrats warn the proposed card could act as a default ID card.

Democrats Senator STOTT DESPOJA says private information stored in the smartcard could
fall into the wrong hands.

Meanwhile, Labor says medical records should not be stored on the card, but it supports
the move in principle.

AAP RTV shh/low/rt

KEYWORD: SMART (CANBERRA)

2005 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.