Senator Sherry: The Assistant Treasurer has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question: The information requested cannot be conclusively determined because of the nature and operation of identity theft activity. The difficulty lies in the fact that in order to collect such information the person affected must be aware that their identity has been stolen and then be aware that their superannuation savings may be at risk. Further once a person is aware, there are a number of steps they may take including reporting the matter to their superannuation fund which may then settle the matter privately. Individuals may also contact the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to report that their identity may have been compromised. The ATO is able to take measures to prevent any further activity occurring against the individual's identity through its systems. The ATO is aware of the following cases of identity theft for the purposes of stealing superannuation savings: 2007-08; 44 cases of identity theft were confirmed. Fourteen of these resulted in the theft of superannuation savings totalling $474,384. 2008-09; 21 cases of identity theft were confirmed. Two of these resulted in the theft of superannuation savings totalling $53,250. 2009-10; 4 cases of identity theft were confirmed. These cases are currently under investigation and the ATO is unaware of any theft of superannuation savings at this time. 1 July 2010 to current date: no cases confirmed.