Digital ID (Digital ID Data Standards Chair) Appointment (No. 1) 2025

Overview

The Digital ID (Digital ID Data Standards Chair) Appointment (No. 1) 2025I, enacted in 2025, establishes the framework for the appointment of a Digital ID Data Standards Chair. This instrument was introduced to address the need for a dedicated expert to oversee and standardise the data practices associated with digital identity systems in Australia. The enacting body is the Parliament, with Katy Gallagher, the Minister for Finance, appointing Scott Farrell to this role. The policy objective is to ensure that digital identity data is managed in a consistent, secure, and interoperable manner, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of digital identity services across various sectors. This strategic appointment aims to foster innovation and trust in digital identity frameworks, aligning with broader national digital identity strategies.

Scope and Application

The Digital ID (Digital ID Data Standards Chair) Appointment (No. 1) 2025I, issued under the authority of the Digital ID Act 2024, appoints Scott Farrell as the Digital ID Data Standards Chair, effective from 10 December 2025 until 9 December 2027. This appointment applies to Scott Farrell, who will be responsible for overseeing and ensuring compliance with data standards relevant to digital identification systems. The legislation applies to entities and individuals involved in the creation, maintenance, and use of digital identification data within Australia, encompassing various industries such as finance, healthcare, and government services. The jurisdictional reach of this appointment is national, impacting all states and territories within Australia. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in the legislation, meaning it applies broadly to all relevant entities and individuals. The scope of the appointment may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, which could provide additional detail or guidelines for the Chair's responsibilities.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Digital ID (Digital ID Data Standards Chair) Appointment (No. 1) 2025I involve the appointment of Scott Farrell as the Digital ID Data Standards Chair (section 1). This appointment is for a full-time role, starting from 10 December 2025 and ending on 9 December 2027. The legislation is made under subsection 105(1) of the Digital ID Act 2024 and is dated 2 December 2025, signed by Katy Gallagher, the Minister for Finance. The Act imposes certain obligations and requirements on the Digital ID Data Standards Chair. As the Chair, Scott Farrell is tasked with overseeing the development, implementation, and maintenance of data standards for digital identification within Australia. This includes ensuring that these standards align with the overarching objectives and principles of the Digital ID Act 2024. The Chair is also responsible for collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, and other experts, to foster innovation and compliance with the established data standards. Failure to comply with the requirements set out by the Digital ID Act 2024 or the responsibilities outlined in this appointment could result in various consequences. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed in this particular piece of legislation, breaches of the Digital ID Act 2024 generally carry significant penalties. These can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. The maximum penalties are outlined in the Digital ID Act 2024, which provides a comprehensive framework for the enforcement and compliance of the legislation. This ensures that all parties involved are aware of the potential consequences of non-compliance and are motivated to adhere to the established standards and requirements.