Update, September 28: The ACT government has confirmed that ACT residents deemed most at risk of Optus hack will receive a free driver’s licence change, with the fee to be covered by the telco provider.
ACCESS Canberra is receiving a rush of requests from people asking to change their driver’s licence numbers following the cyber attack on Optus.
But the territory government is currently unable to make the changes, according to Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury, who reportedly told ABC Radio this morning (September 27) it isn’t possible.
Numerous posts on social media have also said that the ACT government is currently unable to appease the influx of requests.
“FYI for anyone caught up in the Optus hack and intending to head to Access Canberra to get a new licence number. They’ve received numerous enquiries, and are presently unable to change licence numbers,” said one user in the Canberra Noticeboard Facebook Group.
The data breach is believed to have compromised the private information of 9.8 million Australians, with stolen information including names, dates of birth, email addresses, phone numbers, driver’s licence numbers and passport numbers.
A notice on the Access Canberra website reads: “As this is an evolving situation we are continuing to work with Optus and other states and territories. We thank you for your patience.”
“Our staff are continuing to work really hard to support the Canberra community and we ask for your respect and kindness when dealing with staff in our Service Centres and Contact Centre.”
It comes despite other jurisdictions already implementing processes to change licence numbers, including in NSW.
The ACT Opposition has subsequently criticised the pace of the government’s response.
“This is one of those times when speed and responsiveness is critical,” said shadow minister for regulatory services Ed Cocks.
“Without quick action from the ACT Labor-Greens government, Canberrans are vulnerable to identity theft.”
Access Canberra is currently referring people to IDCARE, a national identity and support service which can be called on 1800 595160.
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