A federal member of the Australian parliament has called for mandatory DNA samples to be taken from all Australians, starting with newborn babies, and all immigrants, to build up a crime data base.
"There is a need to build a national database in an orderly and manageable way, so it would seem logical and sensible to start by registering at birth," Liberal MP Mr Peter Lindsay said today.
"If you are not a criminal you would have nothing to worry about," he said.
Medical authorities and civil libertarians have warned that without tight regulations covering the use of a national DNA database there could be prejudice against people applying for jobs or insurance cover.
Mr Lindsay holds the ruling Liberal Party's most marginal seat in Townsville, Queensland. He was elected in 1998 with a majority of 150 and faces a tough fight in general elections at the end of the year.
AFP