NSW driver licence holders' facial images could soon be added to a national database designed to combat identity theft, under proposed legislation introduced to parliament on Thursday.
The move is part of a broader package of reforms aimed at giving police new tools to fight crime in the digital age. NSW would join Western Australia and South Australia in connecting to the Commonwealth-operated National Driver Licence Facial Recognition Solution.
How it works
The system would allow Transport for NSW to share driver licence and photo card images, which could be used to prevent identity theft in the event of a data breach. For example, if stolen identity documents are used to open a bank account, facial verification could identify that the person presenting the documents is not the legitimate owner, preventing the fraud attempt.
"About one in four Australians every year are impacted by identity theft, which costs Australian business about $2.2 billion annually," the state government said. "Face Matching Services provide a critical tool to combat identity theft."
New police powers
The sweeping legislation also grants police a range of new powers aimed at tackling organised crime. One key change makes it easier for police to access phones while investigating suspected organised crime. Currently, a device can only be ordered to be unlocked if it is seized as part of a search or crime scene warrant.
The proposed changes include a new Digital Evidence Access Order, which the NSW Government says will "compel an individual to supply access information for digital devices" if police suspect they are associated with organised crime. The bill also expands offences linked to organised crime to include drug supply, the illicit tobacco trade, fire-bombings and public place shootings.
"This means police can quickly access digital devices and gather critical evidence to assist with fast moving investigations," the government said. Those who don't comply with the orders could face up to seven years jail if convicted.
Premier's comments
NSW Premier Chris Minns hopes the new order will help police disrupt criminals from "exploiting encrypted technology, the dark web and layers of intermediaries to distance themselves from the violence they commission".
"Often, the people directing serious offences are nowhere near the crime scene," he said. "They're recruiting others to steal cars, source weapons or carry out shootings while they hide in the background. We are making it harder for those criminals to operate."
Other changes
Under the proposed legislation, police investigating serious offences or responding to missing person cases will also be allowed to access unredacted images captured by toll cameras on public roads. The government says the changes are "targeted and will not affect law-abiding motorists".
Another major proposed change doubles the potential jail time for failing to comply with the NSW Crime Commission, which includes refusing to answer questions, providing false or misleading evidence, or obstructing investigations.
