"This throws into doubt all the major claims the minister has made, from the potential costs to the estimated benefits.

"If he won't release the reports, how can we trust that this project is at all well considered or balanced - or will even work?"

Chairman appointed

Last week, Human Services Minister Joe Hockey announced the formation of the Access Card Consumer and Privacy Taskforce to be headed by former Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chairman Professor Allan Fels.

Fels will work directly between consumers, privacy advocates and the department of Human Services from the newly created Office of Access Card in Canberra to provide independent advice on both issues and possible solutions.