Improved authentication technology made possible by allowed by smartcards would make it easier for Australians to interact with government departments and agencies.
"Internet banking is an area that is secure, military intelligence and communications are secure," Mr Costello said. "If you are prepared to invest enough, in the expertise, you can make these things secure against hackers."
Human Services Minister Joe Hockey is expected to brief Cabinet on the eGovernment smartcard that will be issued to all Australians who access social services - including Medicare.
The eServices card would be issued to all Australians who accessed social services - including Medicare - and is expected to be rolled out to more than 17 million Australians over the next five years.
Speaking on Melbourne radio Mr Costello said the new card would save "billions" of dollars.
"I'm not at a stage where I can give you solid reliable figures, but by cutting down on welfare fraud, (taxpayers would save) lots of money," he said.
Mr Costello said although the eServices card would act as an identity and authentication document for people when accessing government departments, it was not intended to be an Australia Card-style national ID.
Approval for the smartcard project coincided with the launch in Canberra of the Australian Information Management Office's eGovernment strategy.
The plan, announced by Special Minister of State Gary Nairn, would reduce pressure government shopfront offices by encouraging people to access services online.
Carrying the title Responsive Government: A New Service Agenda, the blueprint is closely is closely linked to the Mr Hockey's whole-of-government authentication scheme, with a heavy emphasis on improving the Commonwealth's online authentication infrastructure.
Mr Nairn said 2006-10 strategy built on the gathering momentum of electronic service delivery in government, but aimed to include transactions of greater complexity.
He said the new strategy would cut down on red tape, with agencies and departments operating in a collaborative, connected manner, rather than in isolation from each other.
Autor: James Riley and Selina Mitchell
Quelle: Australian IT, 30.03.2006
