Customers in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains have given the NSW Government's Digital Photo Card trial the thumbs up, with almost 20 per cent of those eligible (24,697 out of a possible 127,290) opting for the digital version of the card.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the trial offers customers a safe, contactless way to show their identity when leaving home for essential reasons during lockdown, earning it a 98 per cent customer satisfaction rating from participants.
"Western Sydney customers have voted with their smartphones. This is about giving customers choice and added convenience to make life easier for them," Mr Dominello said.
"The Digital Photo Card trial offers holders of a plastic Photo Card in the trial area the chance to use their mobile device to transact with businesses who check ID, such as pharmacies, major retailers, telcos, convenience stores, tobacco retailers and pharmacies.
"I encourage more customers to opt-in and give the trial a go. Your experience and feedback will help shape the state wide rollout."
Mr Dominello said the Digital Photo Card builds on the popularity of the Digital Driver Licence, which is now held by more than 3.3 million licence holders in NSW, representing about 60 per cent of drivers with a 94 per cent approval rating from customers.
"The Service NSW app is fast becoming a one-stop shop for dealing with government - whether it's checking in safely to a venue like a supermarket, storing trade licences or renewing rego - you can do it all in a few simple clicks," Mr Dominello said.
The Digital Photo Card is hosted securely on the Service NSW app, which is locked with a PIN. It provides additional levels of security and protection against identity fraud, compared to the plastic digital photo card.
When a customer is issued their Photo Card they simply refresh the app for real-time updates, without having to wait for a plastic card to arrive in the post.
Following a successful trial, the Digital Photo Card will be rolled out across NSW in the coming months.
Top 10 postcodes for uptake of the Digital Photo Card:
| Rank | Postcode | Suburbs | Uptake | Opt-in rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
2145 |
Westmead, Wentworthville, Pendle Hill, Greystanes, Girraween, South Wentworthville, Mays Hill, Constitution Hill, Pemulwuy |
2,417 |
20% |
| 2 |
2148 |
Blacktown, Marayong, Prospect, Kings Park, Arndell Park, Huntingwood |
2,339 |
29% |
| 3 |
2150 |
Parramatta, Harris Park |
2,257 |
23% |
| 4 |
2144 |
Auburn |
1,468 |
16% |
| 5 |
2770 |
Mount Druitt, Whalan, Hebersham, Lethbridge Park, Bidwill, Tregear, Shalvey, Blackett, Minchinbury, Emerton, Willmot, Dharruk |
1,341 |
29% |
| 6 |
2142 |
Granville, Rosehill, South Granville, Holroyd |
1,117 |
19% |
| 7 |
2140 |
Homebush, Homebush West |
1,007 |
20% |
| 8 |
2747 |
Kingswood, Jordan Springs, Werrington, Cambridge Park, Claremont Meadows, Cambridge Gardens, Werrington County, Caddens, Werrington Downs, Llandilo, Shanes Park |
883 |
29% |
| 9 |
2750 |
Penrith, South Penrith, Jamisontown, Emu Plains, Emu Heights, Leonay |
824 |
30% |
| 10 |
2160 |
Merrylands, Merrylands West |
733 |
15% |
