NSW Parliament Passes Laws to Fight Identity Theft and Fraud

Published Date : 8/6/2025 

The New South Wales Parliament has passed the Identity Protection and Recovery Bill, enhancing measures to protect citizens from identity theft and fraud. The bill introduces a Compromised Identity Register and a fraud check service to mitigate the risks associated with data breaches. 

The New South Wales Parliament has taken a significant step in combating identity theft and fraud by passing the Identity Protection and Recovery Bill, also known as the ID Support Bill. This legislation provides a legal foundation for ID Support NSW, a resource designed to help individuals and organizations deal with identity misuse and data compromises.

The bill introduces a Compromised Identity Register, which government agencies and accredited organizations can access to prevent fraud. This register will include ID documents known or suspected to be compromised. ID Support NSW will inform both the individual and the issuing authority if their identity is compromised. Additionally, organizations that suffer data breaches can share information with the system to reduce the risk of harm. The register is currently under development and is expected to launch in 2026.

ID Support NSW already provided assistance or information to 75,000 people in 2024-2025, helping them navigate the complexities of identity misuse and data breaches. The new legislation will further enhance this support by offering a lifeline to individuals caught in data breaches.

A new fraud check service will be created to contact potential victims of identity theft and flag suspicious activities. This proactive approach aims to stop fraudulent activities before they cause significant harm. According to NSW Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib, these new laws highlight the Minns Labor Government's commitment to protecting people from identity theft and scams.

“Under the legislation, ID Support NSW can provide swift assistance to public and private entities when data breaches occur,” Dib said. “This is a critical step in ensuring that our citizens and businesses are better protected in the digital age.”

The NSW Digital ID and NSW Digital Wallet are integral parts of the state’s overall digital strategy. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to enhance digital inclusion and safety. Australia, as a whole, is currently working through the early stages of mobile driver’s license (mDL) adoption, with several states, including NSW, at the forefront of this technological transition.

The Identity Protection and Recovery Bill is a crucial step in safeguarding the digital identities of New South Wales residents and ensuring that the state’s digital transformation is both secure and inclusive. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the Identity Protection and Recovery Bill?

A: The Identity Protection and Recovery Bill, also known as the ID Support Bill, is a legislation passed by the New South Wales Parliament to enhance measures against identity theft and fraud. It provides a legal foundation for ID Support NSW and introduces a Compromised Identity Register and a fraud check service.

Q: What is the Compromised Identity Register?

A: The Compromised Identity Register is a database that includes ID documents known or suspected to be compromised. Government agencies and accredited organizations can check this register to prevent fraud. Organizations that suffer data breaches can also share information with the system to reduce the risk of harm.

Q: How does ID Support NSW assist individuals?

A: ID Support NSW provides assistance and information to individuals dealing with identity misuse and data compromises. It informs individuals and the issuing authorities if their identity is compromised and offers support to navigate the complexities of such situations.

Q: What is the new fraud check service?

A: The new fraud check service is designed to contact potential victims of identity theft and flag suspicious activities. This proactive approach aims to stop fraudulent activities before they cause significant harm.

Q: How does the bill support the digital transformation in NSW?

A: The bill supports the digital transformation in NSW by ensuring that the state’s digital ID and digital wallet initiatives are secure and inclusive. It provides a legal framework for ID Support NSW, which is a crucial component of the state’s overall digital strategy. 

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