Calls are growing for the federal government to waive passport fees for Optus data breach victims, as states rally to change driver's licence numbers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Albanese government is being urged to issue new passports to the victims of the Optus cyber attack free of charge.
In a joint statement, Liberal senators foreign affairs minister Simon Birmingham and shadow cyber security minister James Paterson said the government's approach was not good enough.
"Australians whose passport numbers have been compromised are currently being told by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on their website that 'if you choose to replace your passport, you'll have to pay' and that 'we weren't responsible for the data breach'," the shadow ministers said.
"This is not good enough and is extraordinary given in question time [on Tuesday] the minister for foreign affairs indicated there was merit in considering fee waivers and other assistance."
The shadow ministers said victims of the Optus cyber hack should not have to wait or pay significant amounts of fees to secure their personal information, and obtain a new passport.
"While Optus must take responsibility for what may be the largest data breach in Australian history, the Albanese government has a responsibility to help Australians take steps to protect their personal information and security," they said.
READ MORE:
- What to do if your data is stolen, compromised
- It 'rarely ends well': How the Optus cyber attack could prompt new scams
- What the Optus data breach means for you and how you can protect yourself. A step-by-step guide
- FBI to investigate Optus cyber attack, with 10,000 customer records now on the dark web
A class action following the data breach is under investigation, as cyber security experts warn Optus customers may now fall victim to scammers.
Meanwhile, some states have announced they will be assisting victims of the Optus cyber breach to get a new driver's licence.
Anyone applying for a replacement driver's licence number and card must be able to show they have been advised by Optus that they are at risk.
NSW
- Service NSW and ID Support NSW are working with Transport for NSW on driver's licence relief
- Affected Optus customers will soon be able to apply for a replacement number online through Service NSW or one at its offices
- The replacement fee of $29 will be reimbursed by Optus
Victoria
- Department of Transport is working with IDCARE to get a full list of Victorian licences exposed by the breach
- Anyone at risk can get their VicRoads record flagged against any potential future fraud and request a number and card replacement
- The government will ask Optus to repay the cost
Queensland
- Replacement driver licence numbers and cards will be offered free of charge to impacted Optus customers
South Australia
- Licence numbers can be changed at a Service SA Centre
- Replacement fee of $20 will be waived
- Anyone who has already paid for a replacement licence can get a refund through Service SA
ACT
- The government is still working through the issue of replacing driver licence numbers and cards
Others
As of 8pm AEST Tuesday, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania were still to advise on their plans but are expected to follow the other jurisdictions.
- with Australian Associated Press
Nadine Morton
I report on crime, emergency services and police matters. Email me on nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
More from National
Twice weekly
Voice of Real Australia
Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.
