PASSPORT NEWS

New Australian Passport Act

The Australian Passports Act 2005, which came into effect on 1 July, introduces new measures to protect Australian passports and passport holders. Identity theft is a growing problem with serious consequences for our security at home and abroad. It can involve the illegal use of documents – such as passports – issued in another person's name.

The new Act combats this problem by introducing tougher penalties for passport fraud and stricter procedures for dealing with lost or stolen passports.

Further information can be obtained from the Australian Passports web site: www.passports.gov.au.

ePassports

From 24 October 2005 , eligible applicants for new or renewed passports will be issued with the ePassport.

The electronic passport - or ePassport - represents a major shift in passport technology, with the introduction of computer chips and biometrics.

The move to the ePassport is about making sure that people applying for and using passports are who they say they are. It is about keeping your identity safe.

For more information visit the Australian Passports web site.