NSW Parliament Passes New Identity Theft Laws and Aids

Published Date : 8/6/2025 

The New South Wales Parliament has passed the Identity Protection and Recovery Bill, introducing robust measures to combat identity theft and fraud. The bill establishes the ID Support NSW program, which includes a Compromised Identity Register and a new fraud check service. 

The New South Wales Parliament has taken a significant step in enhancing identity theft protections and resources by passing the Identity Protection and Recovery Bill, also known as the ID Support Bill. This legislation provides a legal foundation for the ID Support NSW program, which aims to combat identity theft and fraud in the wake of a series of data breaches.

The ID Support NSW program includes a Compromised Identity Register, which government agencies and accredited organizations can check to prevent fraud. This register will contain information about identity documents that are known or suspected to be compromised. ID Support NSW will inform both the individual and the issuing authority when an ID document is added to the register. Organizations that suffer data breaches can also share information with the system to reduce the risk of harm. The register is currently under development and is scheduled to launch in 2026.

In 2024-2025, ID Support NSW provided assistance or information to 75,000 people to help them deal with identity misuse and data compromises. The new fraud check service, another key component of the program, will contact potential victims of identity theft and flag suspicious activities while they can still be stopped.

NSW Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib, emphasized the importance of these new laws. “These new laws allow us to offer a lifeline to individuals caught up in a data breach. They highlight the importance the Minns Labor Government places on protecting people from identity theft and scams,” he said. “Under the legislation, ID Support NSW can provide swift assistance to public and private entities when data breaches occur.”

The NSW Digital ID and NSW Digital Wallet are part of the state’s broader digital strategy. These initiatives are designed to enhance security and convenience while addressing the challenges of early mDL (mobile driver’s license) adoption. The state is one of several in Australia working through the growing pains of digital ID implementation, which includes ensuring robust security features and user education.

The passage of the Identity Protection and Recovery Bill is a significant milestone in New South Wales’ efforts to protect its citizens from the increasing threat of identity theft and fraud. By establishing the ID Support NSW program and its various components, the state is taking a proactive approach to safeguarding personal information and reducing the risk of financial and personal harm. 

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 piece of legislation passed by the New South Wales Parliament to introduce new protections and resources against identity theft and fraud.

Q: What is ID Support NSW?

A: ID Support NSW is a program established by the Identity Protection and Recovery Bill. It includes a Compromised Identity Register and a new fraud check service to help prevent and address identity theft and fraud.

Q: What is the Compromised Identity Register?

A: The Compromised Identity Register is a database that contains information about identity documents known or suspected to be compromised. Government agencies and accredited organizations can check this register to prevent fraud.

Q: How does the new fraud check service work?

A: The new fraud check service will contact potential victims of identity theft and flag suspicious activities while they can still be stopped, helping to prevent fraud and reduce harm.

Q: When is the Compromised Identity Register expected to launch?

A: The Compromised Identity Register is currently being built and is scheduled to launch in 2026. 

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