National ID card back on agenda

Australian IT - ID card back on agenda (Steve Lewis and John Kerin, JULY 15, 2005)

A PROPOSAL for a national identity card is being examined by the federal Government as a way of improving border security and countering terrorism threats.

The controversial plan was yesterday raised by Queensland Premier Peter Beattie, who suggested a national ID card to prevent unlawful detention similar to that suffered by Cornelia Rau and Vivian Alvarez.

My thoughts ? Beattie can’’t help himself. Every chance he gets he’’s hitting on the federal Government. I might point out that he was all against the card a few years ago … but now … tada …. he’’s all for it … as long as he can use it as a political weapon against the Prime Minister.

I think a national ID card could also be combined with smart card technology which would work for things like public transport. That way if we do end up having to have security checks at public transport terminals … those with an approved national ID card will have been pre screened. It makes for a much safer ride.