Australia Looks To Boost Identity Theft Protections
The Gillard Government today introduced legislation to better tackle identity theft and help the victims of these distressing crimes.
The Law and Justice Legislation (Identity Crimes and Other Measures) Bill 2010 was first introduced to Parliament the last term.
It was prorogued and is now being introduced again.
The Minister for Home Affairs and Justice Brendan O’Connor said the Bill will strengthen existing Commonwealth laws and help victims of identity crime to re-establish their credit histories.
“Identity crime is a growing problem that we take very seriously. It can create the conditions for serious fraud and theft offences and its effect on victims can last for many years,” he said.
“The changes we propose will ensure perpetrators face stronger penalties and victims get the help they need to recover from this upsetting crime,” Mr O’Connor said.
The Bill contains amendments that will clarify and improve the operation of several different Commonwealth Acts:
- The Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 is being amended to establish a more consistent approach to restrictions placed on the disclosure of sensitive AUSTRAC information and to strengthen safeguards to protect against disclosure.
- The Crimes Act 1914 will be amended to increase the penalties for perverting the course of justice from five to 10 years jail.
- Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1983 amendments to make joint trial arrangements between the Commonwealth DPP and State and Territory DPPs easier. Changes will also provide immunity from civil suits for persons carrying out functions and powers under the Act.
The Bill was developed in consultation with stakeholders including the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, the AFP, State and Territory criminal justice stakeholders and the Community and Public Sector Union.
The Bill was first passed by the House of Representatives in February 2009 but lapsed in the Senate with the dissolution of Parliament in July this year.
Topics: 2010, AFP, Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce, Australia, Australian Federal Police, Brendan O’Connor, consumers, credit, crime, criminals, fraud, Gillard Government, Governance, government, id theft, identity, identity crime, Identity Crimes and Other Measures, identity theft, information, internet, Law and Justice Legislation Bill 2010, moniter, monitor, news, online consumer fraud, personal information, public domain, scam, social networking, victims
Print This Article in Plain Text
|
|
Latest Headlines
- Osama Bin Laden Dead?
- Florida To Share $1 Billion For Gulf Coast Restoration Efforts
- Texas Prays For Rain During Extreme Drought Conditions
- Governor Christie Takes Action To Reduce Diesel Emissions, Improve Air Quality
- Governor McDonnell Outlines Draft Transportation Improvement Program
- Alaska Energy Bill Passes Legislature
- Illinois State Building Receives ENERGY STAR Award
- Homeland Security Begins Using National Terrorism Advisory System
- U.S. Outlines New Health Insurance Options For Graduating College Students
- Electrolux Expands In North Carolina, To Create 200 Jobs In Charlotte
- Virginia Storm Victims To Receive Tax Extension
- U.S. Expands Broadband Investment For Rural Areas To Accelerate Job Creation
- U.S. To Invest $130 Million For Advanced Energy Research
- Michigan Passes “I’m Sorry” Bill
- Kentucky Sells Two State Aircraft To Save Taxpayer Dollars
