The Universal Serial Number - streamlined

It has been bugging me for years so time to get my thoughts down on paper.

In our country every government department issues many different serial numbers such as:

1. IRD

2. WINZ

3  Health

4. Education 

5. Passport

et al.

Such is the minefield that is Government Bureaucracy that the poor client never really knows what goes where.

My plan is simple.  Centralise all departments under one serial number.

How it works.

1.  When a child is born they are given their National Service Number which is recognised in all facets of bureaucracy. All child health care free (to age 15) and MoH activates a file number accordingly.

2. At aged 5 they are issued a New Zealand Passport for life, only  needs to be renewed on application if the original is full or lost/stolen.
3. NCEA Levels 1 and 2 files use their endemic number.
4.  Aged 15  IRD opens an Account with the same number.
5. Doctors activate the same case file number. All health care has the same number.
6.  Aged 16 WINZ Activate a case file number if needed.

I foresee that bureaucracy will be streamlined.  It would be better for all if they didn't have to wade through Central Government crap. It would also make it easier for Government Departments to cross audit (would you believe IRD has two departments that deal  with clients, IRD itself and Child Support.  15 years ago they didn't talk to each other - not  to mention IRD/WINZ)

Yes I hear the naysayers and Nanny State, but it will work.

Personal Identification Card

Currently the Government has several numbers for Identification within their departments of individual clients.  The Bureaucracy involved is outstanding and downright confusing.

So let's streamline the process.

A Personal Identification card will have one number that goes across all government departments, IRD, WINZ, ACC, CYFS, GSF, Tertiary and Pensioner Services..

1.  When you are born and your parents submit the Birth Certificate with Internal Affairs, the Government issues the Baby with a serial numbered identification card.  From Birth to age 15 the card allows parents free medical and dental care for their children.

2.  Age 15 to 18 Teenagers have access to IRD amongst others. They are also able to directly apply for Student services or benefits with the same number. It also allows these folks to access medical and dental services with 50% discount. If children have jobs from 10 - 15 years old they earn Tax Free.

3.  The same card identifies prospective voter status.

4. The Personal Identity Card also replaces the over 65 Gold Card.

Nanny State??  Not if it actually improves on the current botch up.