[LINK] Centrelink computers to keep tabs on the dead and flying

[Stewart Fist]

Re:
> 
>> WELFARE FRAUD
>> A system to link death notices to the Centrelink computers will become
>> part of the Federal Government's weaponry against welfare fraud.
> 
> I do work for the AEC and the local office (and I would assume most
> offices) scan the death notices in the local paper.  Since AEC data
> match with many other agencies I would assume that CL would already have
> such info.
> 
>> The system of automatically transferring death notice information to
>> Centrelink has been tried successfully in a pilot program, the Minister
>> for Human Services, Chris Ellison, said.
> 
> ...but who or what agency is being arranged as the prime capture agency.
> It strikes me they may have to recruit hospitals, doctors, funeral
> directors, etc.

The least the government could do is to make a major contribution towards
the extraordinary cost of a funeral.  The last payment Centerlink make
should be a few thousand dollars.

If this was done through Centerlink then it would be a major incentive for
everyone to register the death.  There's no reason, in fact, why the funeral
providers couldn't make the claim, just like doctors do for their
bulk-billing services.  This would guarantee that Centerlink was notified.

It could also give the government some control over funeral costs, over
time.

-- 
Stewart Fist, writer, journalist, film-maker
70 Middle Harbour Road, LINDFIELD, 2070, NSW, Australia
Ph +61 (2) 9416 7458