Telstra rejects only ID
Seniors call for age ID recognition
SENIORS are experiencing an identity dilemma as big companies fail to recognise their proof-of-age cards as valid ID.
This was the issue faced by Rockville resident Mary Ellis when she approached Telstra for a new plan.
Armed with a proof of-age card, Ms Ellis was turned away - and a month later she is still battling for her ID to be recognised.
The government-issued age cards are often used in lieu of a licence or passport – but now their validity is being thrown into question.
“I am only applying for a new sim card. The proof-of-age card is a government-recognised form of ID, and it’s all I have,” Ms Ellis said.
“This whole ordeal has made me feel like a second-class citizen, like I have somehow lost my identity.”
IN A blow to their independence, some elderly residents have found their proof-of-age cards are being rejected as a form of identification for everyday tasks.
One such senior is Rockville woman Mary Ellis, who has been locked in a month-long battle with Telstra over the simple task of getting a new sim card.
Ms Ellis surrendered her driver’s licence earlier this year, leaving her proof-of-age card as her only ID.
She has already run into issues using the card, with Telstra rejecting her application for a sim upgrade on the grounds of insufficient identification.
“I have been a customer of Telstra for over 20 years - I guess I expected better treatment,” Ms Ellis said.
“I am only applying for a new sim card. The proof-ofage card is a government recognised form of ID, and it’s all I have.
“This whole ordeal has made me feel like a secondclass citizen, like I have somehow lost my identity.”
Ms Ellis has made a formal complaint with both Telstra and the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, but is yet to have the issue resolved.
A Telstra representative confirmed in her correspondence with Ms Ellis that a new sim required the presentation of a passport, driver’s licence or a blind citizen card.
“I don’t own a passport as I don’t need one, and it seems to be impossible to get anywhere with the proof of age card,” Ms Ellis said.
On the government website, the adult proof-of-age card is listed as an “ideal form of photo identification for people who don’t hold a passport or driver licence.”
“I think elderly people who are considering surrendering their licences should be made aware of what they might encounter if the card is their only ID,” Ms Ellis said.
“There should be a card made available for seniors to prevent this from happening.”
Telstra said it would work with Ms Ellis to resove the issue.
“We have stringent ID requirements in place to protect the identity of our customers and the security of our products,” Telstra area general manager Darren Clark said.
“We will work with Mary directly to try to find a solution and we apologise for any inconvenience.”
Photo: Alexia Austin