Federal Minister for Government Services, Bill Shorten, has announced that the myGov app, part of Australia’s “largest authenticated government platform”, is now available for download.

The new app, which comes with a slew of new features, including a new document inbox, and billed as providing easier access to government services, has been made available for download in both Apple’s App Store and the Google Play store.

Among its new features, the app comes equipped with a digital wallet, enabling users to store government-issued cards and documents.

Praising the new authentication and security features within the app, Minister Shorten singled out the new QR code-based digital verification feature that enables users to confirm whether a document displayed is genuine and valid. As a result, providers will not need to store personal information, Shorten said, marking a “significant step forwards in tackling fraud and theft of these important documents”.

“You can currently add Centrelink concession cards and your International Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate for the myGov wallet. Soon, you’ll be able to add additional items, such as your Medicare card,” Shorten said.

Accessibility, he further noted, has also been improved within the app.

“The app also harnesses the in-built accessibility functions of mobile devices, such as displaying larger text or text-to-speech options, to allow Australians to access myGov in the way they want or need.”

Shorten noted that new updates and features would be added over time, and that insights generated through the use of the app would help shape future improvements to the myGov platform.

Customers will be also offered free one-on-one digital coaching sessions, through Services Australia offices, where needed.

“People expect online services to be simple to use, and the new myGov app is another important step forward in the transformation of Australian government digital services,” Shorten said.

“We know many people already use their smartphone to sign in to myGov, and the app gives them a new convenient and secure option to connect with government.

“It’s simpler to sign in with the myGov app – people can use a six-digit PIN or, if they prefer, the phones’ security feature, such as fingerprint or face recognition.

“Checking your myGov inbox is also quick and easy with the app.”

Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy, Paul Fletcher, welcomed the app’s release, praising the former Coalition government’s work in delivering, he said, one of its most significant features – the use of Digital Identity.

“The features that have launched in the app, like the digital wallet and new inbox, were developed under the Coalition as part of our long-term reforms to improve how Australians access government services and payments,” he said.

“This system allows users to verify who they are only once, preventing users having to ping pong between multiple agencies having to constantly re-verify who they are.”