FYI Everyone-
I just spoke to Emily at Aviation ID Australia who was most helpful.
The cost will rise from current $235 to $257.
Yes we will need an original copy of a full birth certificate.
The process is basically the reverse of what it is now.
However it will be massively inconvenient to many people.
WTF they changed it for who knows. They dont!!
You fill in online form, print out and mail with pics and ordinary uncertified copies of all your documents for processing and card production.
You inform them of the nearest security airport closest to where you live ( on the app??) and they will inform you where there closest agent is and this is where they will mail your card, ie direct to their agent.
They are still determining who where their agents will be.!!
You then (make an appt??) go in, show all your original docs for verification and they give you your card and take your old one.
Current processing time is 3-4 weeks.
Obviously the old method was far easier in that anyone on authorised occupation list to certify docs could do that anywhere you live and then when mailed in they sent it direct to you registered mail.
Our complaining here will do no good whatsoever, phone calls. emails to our federal MPs might get this changed or the ability to at least use a passport superceding the need for a birth certificate.
Complaining to make these cards valid for 5 or 10yrs should probably be mentioned too!!! Hope that info helps .
