The Federal Government has announced it will make it illegal to change a mobile phone's unique IMEI number in a move to strengthen attempts to end rampant mobile theft.
The Australian government yesterday launched a new "tamper-resistant" passport, but has stopped short of including new biometric technologies required for the nation's continued participation in the United States visa waiver program beyond late 2004.
The Federal Privacy Commissioner has described identity fraud as a "gross invasion of privacy" and supported government efforts to fight it, while warning strong protections must accompany any proposal from the start.
The federal government has formally asked the Australian Communications Authority to investigate the feasibility of allowing state governments to jam mobile phone signals in jails.
Justice Minister Chris Ellison has refused to comment on speculation that Australia's Federal Police are slated to get greater powers to monitor mobile phone calls.
Legislation for the government's AU$1.09 billion health and social services Access Card will be introduced to parliament in June after a Senate Committee Inquiry's recent rebuke.
Australian citizens will be assigned a unique identifying number to help healthcare providers protect their patients from accidentally being given the wrong treatment.
Tender negotiations for the AU$1.09 billion Access Card will continue despite the government being forced to review the card's legislation following a Senate Committee report.
Internet service providers and content hosts will be required to report online child porn to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) from 1 March under amendments to the Criminal Code Act 1995.
The federal government appears to have paved the way for a controversial sea cargo import reporting system to be bypassed for now and the old system reinstated amid turmoil at ports and air freight hubs.
Identity fraud cost the Australian community AU$1.1 billion in 2001/02, according to a report released by a senior Minister, who also acknowledged the rapid subsequent growth of the problem.
Justice and Customs minister Chris Ellison moves into the Human Services portfolio but some critics claim his handling of the Customs IT debacle raises questions over his ability to manage large-scale projects.
The government's welfare Access Card will not prevent benefit crimes, according to a report by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO).
Opposition parties and privacy groups are warning that Australians may still be forced to carry the government's controversial Access Card should the Liberal Party win the upcoming federal election.
The Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Chris Ellison, has confirmed international interest in passport photo-matching technology launched officially in Sydney today.
Telstra shareholders fear break up
What do Telstra shareholders think of the telco's new CEO David Thodey? And would they support the government'… Watch it now
The Change Program changes its Agenda
What happens when you change the agenda of the ATO's Change Program, or program in some changes to the Agenda?… Watch it now
Microsoft's Tracey Fellows on Windows 7
After the launch of Windows 7 last week, ZDNet.com.au spoke briefly with Microsoft Australia and New Zealand M… Watch it now
Having problems with complex data center? Simplify your data center now.
Can the Telco Reform Act be win-win?
Has New Zealand's smiling assassin delivered?
The long-awaited separation of Telstra
What makes you click?
Tell us for a chance to win a $1,000 GAME gift voucher.
Click here for more.
Win an iPhone 3GS!
Sign up as a ZDNet Australia member during November and you'll go in a draw to win an iPhone 3GS!
Click here to sign up!
Best Laptops
Check out the best laptops here!
Click here for more.
