24/3/01
Security for drivers' licences in Western Australia will be increased with the introduction of compulsory photographs and signatures on May 7.
Announcing the new requirements today, the Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Michelle Roberts, said the new measures would protect the interests of the individual.
"As drivers' licences are commonly used as proof of ID, photographic licences are more reliable and help reduce fraud," Mrs Roberts said.
"The photo ID requirement will ensure that it is you and only you who can use your licence - the photograph and signature safeguard your security."
Mrs Roberts said the introduction of compulsory photographs and signatures would help eradicate the fraudulent use of drivers' licences.
"It will prevent people with suspended or cancelled drivers' licences from using other people's licences," she said.
"It will also help people travelling interstate or transferring their drivers' licences to another State or Territory."
The new requirements are part of a move to a national standard of driver licensing, and Western Australia is the last State to adopt these requirements.
Victoria first introduced compulsory photos on drivers' licences in 1985 with the other States gradually adopting the standard since then, including New Zealand two years ago.
On issue in WA there are approximately 1.25 million drivers' licences and more than 500,000 already have a photograph.
Mrs Roberts said the process for obtaining a driver's licence with a photograph would be quite simple.
"When your licence is due for renewal, personally attend a licensing photopoint to have your photograph taken," she said.
"There is no need to have your photograph taken until your driver's licence is due for renewal every five years or you need a new card."
To assist the transition to compulsory photographs, licensing photopoints have been increased. There are now 170 licensing photopoints located across WA, at all Licensing Centres, Licensing Agents in regional areas and 35 Australia Post branches.
Mrs Roberts said access to the images would be restricted to authorised staff who were directly involved with the production of licences.
"It is important that people understand that people's photographic images will be held securely, and kept entirely separate from their driver's licence records," she said.
Media contact: Mark Thompson 9213 6600
