The Department of Transport has taken steps to safeguard the identities of Western Australians impacted by the Optus data breach.
In a statement, the Department said new driver’s licence cards with new licence numbers would be issued to those who had been informed by Optus that their driver’s licence information had been compromised as part of the breach.
“Optus has confirmed that it will be contacting customers directly in the coming days if their specific licence has been compromised, in addition to the original email advising of the breach,” the Department said.
“If you receive this secondary notification from Optus that your licence details have been compromised, please attend a Department of Transport Driver and Vehicle Services Centre or regional agent to have a new licence issued.”
It said people should provide Department staff with a primary and secondary proof of identity; an Optus-issued document verifying a proof of breach, and a current WA driver’s licence.
“The customer will not be charged for the new licence, and customers attending a Driver and Vehicle Services Centre to apply for a new driver’s licence card will be prioritised,” the Department said.
Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti said the Government was committed to ensuring the privacy of Western Australians affected by the Optus data breach, by providing them with a new driver’s licence card and licence number.
“The State Government will be billing Optus for the cost of these licence replacements,” Ms Saffioti said.
A list of Department of Transport Driver and Vehicle Services Centres and regional agents can be found on the Department’s website at this PS News link.
