[LINK] Australia Post to lose passport services

[Marghanita da Cruz]

On 07/04/16 18:51, Andy Farkas wrote:
> On 07/04/2016 18:35, Hamish Moffatt wrote:
>>
>> Post have never taken the photos, you've always had to supply your 
>> own. Why couldn't they be uploaded as part of the application and 
>> verified when the application is checked?
>
> That is incorrect.
>
> I had to get a passport late last year. Went to the post office (~30 min
> drive from where I live), checked my hair and stood in front of the fixed
> camera on the counter. For some reason it didn't work, so she got the
> hand-held camera, took us out the back and snapped some shots there.
> She printed them off, put them in a nice envelope, and handed them
> back to us to get endorsed.
>
> Oh, and no appointment necessary. Just rock up and say you want
> passport photos.
>
> <snip>

I agree, just rock up. Our local post office has a pull down screen and 
hand held camera. There is also some expertise required to in taking the 
photos to meet the passport requirements.
A few weeks back, they were photographing a baby for a passport! Compare 
a hand held photograph with the mug shot on your drivers license - from 
the automated camera. Guess both are photo ids.
Will the state Road police be putting in a bid - they are pretty busy as 
it is.

There is also the issue of shutting down post offices - which it should 
not be forgotten underpin e-commerce though I have anecdotally their 
deliveries are going astray.

Marghanita




-- 
Marghanita da Cruz
Telephone: 0414-869202
Email:  marghanita at ramin.com.au
Website: http://ramin.com.au