Labor backs 'big brother' powers

Wednesday, October 1, 2003 - 10:00

BY DALE MILLS

A law presently before federal parliament, if passed by the Senate, would allow immigration officials to collect "biometric data" on all non-citizens entering Australia. Biometric data includes records of a person's face, iris, fingerprints, signature and "body measurements".

Immigration officials would be able to collect such data on anybody who is a non-citizen or who "appears" to be a non-citizen. Once collected, the data can be given to foreign governments. There will be no "oversight" mechanism to ensure that the data is not abused.

The Migration Legislation Amendment (Identification and Authentication) Bill 2003 was introduced into the House of Representatives on June 26. On September 17, Labor MPs voted with the government to pass the bill. It will now be debated in the Senate.

Although the bill targets "non-citizens", it may be only a matter of time before it will be used on citizens as well. According to a July press release from federal justice minister Chris Ellison, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is considering the addition of biometric data to Australian passports.

Britain has proposed a biometric "passport" for its citizens and a biometric card, which would be used to access social security and other benefits, according to the May 8 British Guardian. Biometric passports and/or cards are also being considered by the USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan, Belgium and Italy.

The bill's lack of an oversight mechanism, its singling out of "non-citizens", the likelihood that information will be given to governments with records of human rights abuse and the danger that similar data-collection powers will spread and be used against Australian citizens does not seem to worry the Labor Party. Labor's main concern seems to be that the law may frighten business. Labor MP Nicola Roxon told parliament on September 17 that the bill could "affect tourist and business visa applicants".

From Green Left Weekly, October 1, 2003.

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