The Federal Government is testing new technology for sharing personal data.

A pilot programme in Queensland is testing how the myGov app might securely share information from government-issued cards.

The initiative, run by Services Australia, is being tested at a general practice in Brisbane. 

Patients use the myGov app to scan a QR code and select data from their Medicare, DVA veterans’ cards, or Centrelink concession cards to share with the clinic. The verified information is then transferred to a device at the practice.  

Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten has called the programme “revolutionary”, comparing it to the move from cheques to tap-and-pay systems. 

The Trust Exchange (TEx) platform, announced in August, aims to verify identity and credentials without exposing unnecessary personal details, or in some cases, any personal information.  

“This new pilot sees Services Australia simply working with research participants to test a concept,” Shorten said. 

The pilot also has private sector backing, with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia committing to join a future test. 

Shorten says this type of technology could reduce the risk of cyber hacks by removing the need for businesses to store sensitive documents.  

Feedback from participants and clinic staff will inform the government’s decisions on next steps, with results due early next year. 

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