NT Government follows suit in waiving new licence fees following Optus data breach

A huge number of Territorians are caught up in the Optus data breach, but the government is promising free driver’s licence replacements. Here’s how many in the NT are impacted.

Territorians whose personal information is at risk following the Optus data breach are being urged to get their driver’s licence reissued.

The Department Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics said it would follow announcements made by other states in waiving replacement fees.

New licences for the estimated 20,000 impacted NT residents will also be prioritised over others.

Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin has said the data was encrypted and had “multiple layers of protection.” Picture: Press conference on September 23.

The data of nearly 10 million Australians is compromised following the breach last Thursday, which has been described as one of the nation’s largest cyberattacks.

NT driver’s licences include two unique identifiers – a licence number which appears on the front, and a card number which is in small print on the back.

Both are needed for someone to conduct identity fraud.

Optus has estimated about 20,000 NT customers have had driver’s licence data stolen, but only 200 of those – or 1 per cent – have had both identifying numbers stolen.

The telecommunications giant and the NT government has said it would confirm this number on Thursday.

Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Eva Lawler. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Optus has also said it would contact all 20,000 impacted customers in the NT.

Those who have had both identifying numbers stolen are being urged to get their licence cancelled and reissued, while those who have only had their licence number stolen are also able to get a free replacement.

Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Eva Lawler said breach notices from Optus must be supplied when applying for a new licence.

“Protecting the personal details of Territorians is paramount in this case,” Ms Lawler said.

“The Territory Government is very aware of the anxiety this breach has created for Optus customers and we are doing what we can to help address the issue.”

Affected customers wishing to replace their licence must attend an MVR and present their breach notice from Optus.

Regional and remote clients are being advised to contact the MVR on 1300 654 628 from Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.

All Optus customers are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to 133 937.

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Originally published as NT Government follows suit in waiving new licence fees following Optus data breach