Biometrics to play key role in border security
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
The increased use of biometrics will play an important role in protecting Australia's borders according to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans.
Senator Evans said biometrics was a key tool in the fight against identity crime which could lead to unlawful entrants threatening Australia's border and visa processes.
Biometrics uses measurable biological characteristics to establish a unique identity for a person. Those characteristics are recorded and referred to for identification purposes.
In line with other countries, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) currently uses two biometrics – facial images and finger scans. These biometrics are being progressively rolled out to various immigration processes, including visa applications.
Biometric equipment is also used to collect facial images and fingerprints from people in immigration detention and illegal foreign fishers.
Finger scan identifications at the Northern Immigration Detention Centre in Darwin have uncovered cases of illegal foreign fishers attempting to use multiple identities. And earlier this month, biometrics helped identify a Ukrainian backpacker who appeared in a Brisbane hospital with amnesia.
An Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) report released today shows substantial improvements in the department's identity management capability.
Senator Evans said the ANAO report provided constructive comments on further development of the department's use of biometrics.
'DIAC has begun work on the four ANAO recommendations to develop an evaluation strategy, assess the costs and benefits of broadening biometric capability, strengthen assurance processes and enhance stakeholder involvement,' Senator Evans said.
'Better identity management and the use of biometrics are fundamental in the fight against identity crime and to secure Australia's borders.
'It will also facilitate faster processing for genuine travellers.
'DIAC is the first point of contact for people coming to Australia. Biometric technology can permanently link them to a unique identity for all future interactions with the department.'
Senator Evans said biometrics data would only be shared in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 and the disclosure provisions of the Migration Act 1958.
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2008/ce08019.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST