COMMITTEE REPORT RECOMMENDS SUPPORT FOR SECURE NATIONAL ELECTRONIC GATEWAY TO COMBAT IDENTITY FRAUD ABA WELCOMES "NUMBERS ON THE RUN" REPORT Sydney, 29 August, 2000: The Australian Bankers' Association (ABA) has welcomed the key recommendations relating to combating identity fraud in the report, "Numbers on the Run" produced by the Standing Committee on Economics and Public Administration on the Australian Taxation Office Tax File Number system. Jeff Oughton, acting Chief Executive of the Australian Bankers' Association, noted the Committee's recommendation in support of the ABA proposal to help detect false identity - a secure national electronic gateway that could validate document data with the issuing source. "I am pleased to see the Committee's recommendation that the Commonwealth Government work with industry to develop options for reducing and preventing identity fraud, including the investigation and development of this secure national electronic gateway. "For example, a drivers licence or a birth certificate could be checked directly with the government agencies through the gateway by a financial service provider when the documents are presented by the customer. Trials already carried out in New South Wales have confirmed this approach can assist in reducing the prevalence of identity fraud. "The ABA is also seeking consistency of documents used to validate a person's identity across all States and Territories and the tightening up of processes used when issuing documents to make it harder for criminals to obtain false identities." Mr Oughton said identity fraud is a major issue not just for the banking and financial sector, government and industry but for the community as a whole. "I am pleased to see that the Committee has acknowledged this significant concern and note that the report has recommended the Commonwealth Government work with industry to develop national statistics on the extent and cost of identity fraud in Australia. "The ABA also appreciates the Committee's recommendation that a legislative review be conducted into the investigation, prosecution and deterrence of fraudulent activity related to false identity." For further information contact: Heather Wellard ABA PR Phone: 02 8298 0411 Mobile: 0409 830 439     ENDS