In a National Press Club address Wednesday Hockey stated one-third of the capacity on the chip will be offered to Australians to store whatever information they like. Hockey stated consumers could even choose to store shopping lists on the smartcard.

Hockey also outlined the Access Card and Consumer Privacy Taskforce, chaired by Professor Allan Fels, would accept submissions concerning the proposal over the next month.

Hockey confirmed the government would buy off-the-shelf technology as infrastructure for the smartcard and the procurement process will be explained to interested parties by the end of the year.

"We are creating a customer controlled area in the chip where individuals can store the information they want," Hockey said.

"In simple terms it makes the access card similar to a mini iPod, where you can download minimum amounts of information onto the microchip and carry it around in your wallet or purse.