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Media Release

Hon Arch Bevis MP Federal Member for Brisbane Shadow Minister for Homeland Security, Aviation and Transport Security

16 January 2006

ID CARD INQUIRY A SMOKESCREEN

Reports that Attorney-General Philip Ruddock is planning to set up an inquiry into a national identity card are a smokescreen to hide divisions and disarray in the Liberal Party, according to Shadow Homeland Security Minister Arch Bevis.

Mr Bevis said: “Labor supports practical measures to improve our security. But the Howard Government has not provided any evidence that a national ID card would improve our security.”

Philip Ruddock is on the record repeatedly opposing a national identity card, unlike Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone who called for ID cards with fingerprints or Joe Hockey who suggested a “smart” Medicare card as a national ID card.

Mr Bevis added: “Government Ministers have floated the possibility of an ID card every couple of months. The trouble is they just don’t agree with one another. They’ve been all over the shop on the issue.

“At least an inquiry would be more coherent than the Government has been.

“But before launching into an inquiry, the Attorney-General needs to state clearly what the purpose of a national ID card would be. What is it meant to achieve?

Most security experts agree a national ID card would do little to protect us. A national ID card would not have prevented the London bombings, the Bali bombings or September 11.

“Labor is prepared to consider any proposal but the focus should be on practical measures to improve our security.”

16th January, 2006

Further information: Rodney Kendall 0409 374 900