Media release
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has finalised contract negotiations with Fujitsu Australia Limited to provide a comprehensive system for the issue of Australian passports. A contract between DFAT and Fujitsu Australia Limited will be signed today.
The program is part of the Australian Government's commitment to deliver a contemporary passport system for Australia that will provide a more secure, efficient and responsive service.
"DFAT is committed to continuous improvement and we are constantly looking for ways to improve our process and services" said the department's Chief information Officer, Tuan Dao.
The current technology used to print and issue Australian passports is approaching the end of its lifecycle. Over the next three years, the Passport Redevelopment Program will deliver new services and capabilities to improve efficiency and provide better customer service to the Australian community.
It will also improve fraud control and allow the Australian Passport Office to manage up to two million passport applications annually by 2015.
Improvements to the online application process will be a major component of the new passport system.