The scheme was to be phased in over two years, beginning in 2008, but the newly elected Labor Rudd Government terminated the project in November 2007.
Such information may have included next of kin, organ donor status or drug allergies and also, according to Joe Hockey the former responsible government minister, shopping lists and perhaps MP3s.
[1] An exposure draft of the proposed Bill was published on 13 December 2006 allowing for a four-week period during which public submissions could be made.
The Report was delivered on 15 March 2007[4] and was scathing of the Bill in the form presented, demanding it be withdrawn and key provisions be re-thought.
[5] A notable feature was that the Majority Report was written by Liberal Senators Mason, Fifield and Watson, recognised by some commentators as a striking case of Senatorial independence.
[7] On the other hand, Department of Human Services Secretary, Patricia Scott, told a Senate committee on 16 February 2007 that the wrongful detention of Cornelia Rau – who was held by immigration authorities for 10 months, despite being a legal resident – would not have occurred if the Access Card was running.
[13] On 22 January 2007, in a cabinet reshuffle, Joe Hockey, who had been heading the Access Card project, was appointed Workplace Relations Minister.
Ian Campbell was appointed Minister for Human Services, taking over the implementation of the Access Card project in an election year.
[17] The Office of Access Card issued a systems integrator request for tender (RFT) closing on 1 March 2007, with the contract expected to be signed between May and June 2007[needs update] .