Canberra's $44m biometric capability boost

The Department of Home Affairs has awarded Unisys Australia a multiyear contract, valued at up to $44.2 million, to provide high-volume, state-of-the-art biometric services.

The aim is for Australia to have a world-leading biometric collection, processing and matching service, through a new Enterprise Biometric Identification Services (EBIS) system.

The capability will enable the Department of Home Affairs to improve the processing and analysis of biometric data from 100% of travellers.

“The EBIS system will vastly improve Australia’s biometric storage and processing capability; consolidating biometrics collected through visa and detention programs with biometric data collected at the border through SmartGates,” said Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Alex Hawke in a statement.

“The EBIS system will significantly increase our biometric collection and storage capability, giving us an even stronger platform to identify and protect Australia from individuals who might wish to do us harm,” he added.

Inbound traveller numbers are expected to increase from 40 to 50 million by 2020.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/potowizard

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