Helping Australians impacted by identity crime

The Albanese Government is committed to supporting Australians affected by identity crime, which is why we’re funding Identity Care Australia and New Zealand Limited (IDCARE) to continue to deliver crucial support services for victims of identity crime.

Australians can suffer significant, long-term impacts, including financial loss and emotional stress when their personal information is exposed in data breaches and used to commit cybercrimes.

The Albanese Government’s investment of $15 million over 3 years will enable IDCARE to continue to deliver tailored support and guidance to help individuals recover from identity crime, and mitigate or remediate damage that may have occurred. 

Thanks to funding from the Government, IDCARE supported almost 100,000 victims of identity crime in the past financial year – and this new additional investment will allow them to support even more Australians into the future.

These services will especially assist vulnerable individuals such as older Australians, those in rural and remote communities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and Australians with a disability to navigate the process required to recover their identities.

Helping individuals to recover and protect their identities reduces the window of opportunity for organised crime, preventing financial loss while building trust in Australia’s digital economy and identity systems.

The services are a key initiative of the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy to secure Australians’ identities and support those affected by identity crime.

To find out more about IDCARE’s services or to get help if your identity credential is compromised, visit the IDCARE website.

Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“Identity crime devastates lives and causes a long-term emotional and financial toll on victims. That’s why the Albanese Government is supporting services that safeguard Australians’ personal information from criminals.

“This funding ensures victims of identity crime won’t be left to navigate the recovery process alone, providing them with expert help every step of the way.

"Importantly, this funding will ensure Australians, including those in rural and remote areas, people with a disability, older Australians and those from culturally diverse communities will have access to the specialist services they need, when they need them.”