New Aust passport ‘tamper-resistant’

Curbing identity fraud and misuse by people smugglers and terrorists, Australian's new passport has been described by the federal government as “tamper-resistant”.

Alexander Downer, Minister for Foreign Affairs, announced the new M series passport today, describing it as “the most secure Australian passport ever produced”.

It aimed to improve the security of the document and its production process, according to a statement from Downer.

“The new tamper-resistant passport incorporates state-of-the-art technology to help curb identity fraud and possible misuse by people smugglers, terrorists and other transnational criminals,” it stated.

The move followed the tougher proof-of-identity and name change requirements which were introduced on passport application forms in September, according to the statement.

The passports would be produced at a secure central production facility at the Royal Australian Mint, with smaller facilities in London and Washington. Data from passport applications would be transferred to these locations electronically.