The NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages (BDM) will replace identity documents lost in bushfires for free as part of Service NSW’s efforts to assist those affected by the devastating blazes.
Attorney General, Mark Speakman and Minister for Customer Service, Victor Dominello announced the decision late last week.
“The fire emergency has wreaked untold havoc on many people’s lives and we want them to be able to get back on their feet with a minimum of fuss,” Mr Speakman said.
“Anyone who has lost paperwork such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate can apply to have them replaced at no cost as a priority,” he said.
“The NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages can assist people who have lost documents in the fire to quickly re-establish their identity.”
Mr Speakman said that for people born or married interstate, BDM would coordinate with other Australian State and Territory registries to obtain replacement certificates.
“Those affected can visit their nearest Service NSW where the team will assist them in applying for their official certificates,” he said.
He said customers that required a new driver’s licence would be issued with an interim licence on the spot, allowing them to get back on the road immediately.
Mr Speakman said Service NSW’s Mobile Service Centres had visited bushfire affected communities to assist customers with government transactions, including replacement identity documents.
