New Passports Laws – Protecting Australia and Australians

Australia and Australians will be protected by tougher passport laws following the passing in the Senate today of the Australian Passports Act 2005.

The legislation, planned to come into force on 1 July 2005, will provide a modern legal structure to support the Government’s continuing efforts to combat identity-related fraud and strengthen the integrity of the passport issuing process.

Penalties for passport fraud are increased from maximum imprisonment of 2 years to 10 years and from a maximum fine of $5000 to $110,000.

Problems caused by lost and stolen passports will be better addressed under the new laws.

The new Act also clarifies existing laws which allow the Minister to refuse or cancel a passport if a person is involved in specified serious crimes such as child sexual exploitation, child abduction, child pornography, sexual slavery, drug-trafficking, people smuggling or terrorism.

Australian travellers will benefit from provisions in the Act that will allow the use of emerging technologies, such as facial biometrics. This will ensure that Australians are issued with a world class passport.

Disputes between parents relating to the issue of passports to their children will now be referred directly to the courts.

Media Inquiries: Mr Downer's office 02 6277 7500 - DFAT Media Liaison 02 6261 1555