Caption: Roger Alexander
Summary
- Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander declined to disclose the cost of the new Online Arrival and Departure Card Platform, citing national security concerns.
- The question was raised by journalists during Wednesday’s launch of the new digital immigration system.
- Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence Minister Dominic Smith said the focus should remain on the platform’s benefits and value to citizens rather than its cost.
By Alicia Chamely
HOMELAND Security Minister Roger Alexander is defending his decision not to disclose the development and implementation costs of the newly launched Online Arrival and Departure Card Platform.
Alexander said the decision was taken for national security reasons.
Speaking at Wednesday’s launch of the platform, Alexander was asked by AZP News how much had been spent to develop and implement the system.
“The Ministry of Homeland Security, and because of the security involved, we don’t want to discuss the cost at this time. There cannot be a cost attached to improving the quality of life of citizens,” Alexander said.
When asked by another member of the media how disclosing the cost would compromise national security, Alexander did not directly answer the question and instead returned to discussing the benefits of the new immigration platform.
“We are here to treat with that issue where we are making our country better. What I can say is that you too will benefit from this great project. This initiative will benefit you when you have to travel to and from anywhere you go,” he said.
Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence Dominic Smith, who was also present at the launch, supported Alexander’s approach, urging that the focus remain on the benefits of the platform.
“I will just say that anything related to cost, there’s no secret. There’s a level of transparency and accountability across this government that hasn’t been seen in a very long time,” Smith said.
He added that the emphasis should be on the value of the system rather than the political debate surrounding it.
“The concentration here is really on the net benefit and reward of the system, so I think the focus really needs to be on that,” Smith said.
“But related to the cost, it is the government’s responsibility to get value for money.”
Smith also said the public discussion should centre on the benefits of the initiative.
“Let’s move away from the politics of this and focus on what the real benefit is. All of us are partakers in this. This is something of national pride, I believe, and all citizens will benefit. So let’s focus on what really matters,” he said.
He added, however, that he did not believe there was a direct link between the disclosure of costs and national security.
