Victoria’s Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Marlene
Kairouz, has approved
the use of Australia Post’s Keypass in Digital ID ™ as an evidence of
age document in all licensed venues across Victoria.
This will enable Victorians to use their mobile phones as
proof of age when they are purchasing alcohol or visiting a licensed premise, such
as a bar or club. In addition to the convenience, this also gives people more
control over the personal data they share. Using a document like a drivers’
license exposes much more information than is required for age verification.
The Keypass
card issued by Australia Post is a valid ID used to verify proof of age and
identity throughout Australia. The Keypass has been incorporated in the Digital
ID ™ app, which allows people to verify their identity information once, so
they can then easily prove who they are online and in person through the
platform's smartphone app. This removes the need for Australians to repeatedly
use several forms of identity to prove who they are or have numerous passwords
to access products and services.
The digital keypass was trialled at more than 50 licensed
venues in Fitzroy between October 2017 and January this year.
The free Australia Post smartphone app includes an on-screen
animation that prevents the replication of the digital Keypass on a
non-approved app or format.
The app generates a temporary Quick Response (QR) code that
can be scanned by a liquor venue as an extra layer of security using Australia
Post’s Digital iD™ smartphone app or a third-party ID scanner (such as a
Scantek ID scanner).
Identification verification checks take place at Australia
Post using the same methods as those used for physical keypasses.
The initiative is supported by the Australian Hotels
Association and other industry bodies, and will make it easier for pubs, clubs
and other licenced venues to comply with Victoria’s strict liquor laws.
Minister Marlene Kairouz said, “This is a win for Victorians who enjoy our wonderful nightlife and a
win for venue operators. This new smartphone form of ID will mean Victorians
can leave their passport, driver’s license or proof-of-age card at home before
heading out for the night – and help venues ensure the patrons they’re serving
are above age.”
Australia Post General Manager Digital iD™ Cameron
Gough commented, “Keypass in Digital
ID™ was developed here in Melbourne, so we are delighted that Victoria has
become the first state to approve it as an acceptable proof-of-age identity
document.”
“Keypass has been a
popular proof-of-age card in Australia for more than 25 years. Incorporating
Keypass into Digital ID™ will deliver a more convenient way for young people to
enjoy a night out together, furthering our 200-plus year commitment to better
connect Australians with their communities.”
Australia Post’s website states that Keypass in Digital iD™
is accepted in the states of Victoria, Tasmania and Northern Territory at this
time. In August 2017, Australia Post announced
that the Digital iD™ technology is being adopted by a number of companies and
government departments, including Job outsourcing site, Airtasker; Australia's
largest credit union, CUA; foreign exchange company Travelex; and the
Queensland Police Service.