MyGov, Medicare: New welfare system sparks controversy

A NEW controversial system may soon see welfare recipients required to have their face scanned and analysed before they can access their payments.The system, which will also affect people trying access Medicare and childcare subsidies, age pension and pay tax online, is part of a new biometric security program that is set to begin in October.Under the new strategy those trying to access these government services will be required to take photo to create a myGov ID, which will then be checked against driver’s licences and passports to confirm their identity.Human Services Minister Michael Keenan has hopes the plan will see Australia become a world leader in “digital government” by 2025.When fully rolled out the digital identity solution will allow users access to almost any government agency through one single portal, with the trial allowing 100,000 people to apply for a Tax File number online.

Source: MyGov, Medicare: New welfare system sparks controversy