Prepare for the worst
As the saying goes, “there are only two things certain in life, death and taxes”.
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It is a shame that the governance of death can be so bureaucratic. This letter is for your readers, warning those who have significant others to prepare for the worst.
If losing your partner is not bad enough, wait until you have to start to deal with corporate entities, government departments, insurance companies, utility suppliers et al. Despite having all the appropriate documentation (a will, financial power of attorney, medical power of attorney) the minefield of bureaucracy is long and torturous, and is not helpful to the situation you find yourself in.
Let me give you a for instance. North East Water.
Our account used to be in both our names. Once the death certificate had been supplied I forwarded a “certified copy” to the accounting team so that the name of my deceased partner could be removed from the account. This was not good enough.
They needed to see a copy of the new land title, in my name only before they could alter the account.
The title change was sent to them after probate was completed (probate can take any where between four and 12 weeks). They confirmed receipt of this in a letter to me advising me that the account had been updated. So, here comes the first bill for supply, in my name only. I pay it on July 31.
On August 15, I receive a reminder notice for the supposed unpaid account. I ignore it, under the impression that perhaps the computer automated system had not recorded the payment issued. On August 29, I receive a “restriction notice”. Obviously at that point, I have to call them.
What has transpired is that the account I have paid is apparently the old account, and they have actually created a new account. I did not pick that up. So the EFT I had set up in my internet banking many, many months ago is out of date. When I queried why a new account was created, they advised me that that is how the computer system works. Apparently they are unable to make any changes without creating a new account.
Why is it, after 237 days since the death of my partner I am still having to deal with ..."Computer says no"?
Alastair Edmondson, Rutherglen
A thank you
On behalf of my mother and I, we would sincerely like to thank you, for placing the editorial and photograph of our Uncle Alick Keat, in Saturday’s Border Mail. It was so wonderful to see it, and we have received such a large number of phone calls from family members and also people from the Gundowring area, who were also thrilled to read it. Thank you again.
Merl Lumby (Keat) and daughter Sharon
Get on with it
Federation Council has a clear directive of three to one for the new bridge between Mulwala and Yarrawonga and now it may call for another survey. If the survey results do not suit council, they just plan another survey.
This shire and region needs some bold, brave decision makers who get on with tasks. This will encourage investment in the Shire. The constant public consultation and small group voices lets the future down, hinders investment and getting what is required on the move. It is time for some clear big plans to be set in motion.