id cards likely soon for aussies

ABC Online;
The Prime Minister has defended reigniting the debate on a national identity card against accusations it would compromise people's freedoms.

The release of a damning report into immigration detention and the recent London bombings have sparked debate on a national identity card.

Despite opposing the idea when it was raised by the Hawke Labor government in 1987, John Howard now wants the issue back on the table.

After arriving in Washington for talks with the Bush administration, Mr Howard said changed circumstances had come into play.

"The world is very, very different since then and maybe this is one of the things that is needed to be added to our armoury, maybe," he said.

Mr Howard says it is the Government's responsibility to strike a balance between civil liberties and protection against terrorists.

"If you look at it just as a civil liberties issue, you would never change anything," he said. "If you just looked at it as a protection against terrorism issue, you would authorise many changes that people would regard as unacceptable.

"My responsibility and that of the Government is to strike a balance."

Dave R.