Nairn said such a framework, which should be in place by June 30 this year, would reduce the cost and complexity for service providers, agencies, businesses and individuals. He elaborated on the government's approach to using standards on the back of a A$100,000 (US$75,900) grant to Standards Australia to examine national and international standards relevant to critical infrastructure protection.

Under this grant, Standards Australia will study the security implications of a number of existing standards and identify any gaps, as well as developing risk management and business continuity plans.

Nairn said local industry can be part of the e-government strategy and called for input from any companies with experience in service orientated architecture (SOA), identity management, single sign-on and smartcards. He said the Australian Government Information Management Office is already working with other organizations on whole of government standards to ensure consensus by industry and government for use under the smartcard program.