David's Daily Diversions

Incompetent Government on a Personal Level

Today we went to see our Member of Parliament.

I have been having trouble with a certain Government department. They seem to be having trouble fulfilling a certain contractual obligation. When Government departments prove obstreperous, the usual course of action is to seek the assistance of one's MP.

It is always helpful if the MP can have all the documentation related to the trouble. That way, they know what they are talking about when they approach the department in question. Having been reminded of this by my MP's staff, I thought it would be a simple matter to request a copy of my file held locally. It's not a very big file. I've seen it. The whole thing could be photocopied in less than 60 seconds.

When I went into the local office of this government department, where they always have my file on the desk during my visits, I was refused a copy of any of it. I was told my request had to be in writing. They handed me a piece of paper and a pen and directed to a vacant desk.

In my best legalese, leaving no possible wiggle room for retaining any part, I requested a copy of my file. When I gave them the request in writing, I was then informed that it had to be sent off to the district office and that they had 40 days in which to respond. Until then, I'm not allowed copies of documents bearing my own signature.

We'll have to see if, without the paperwork, my MP makes any headway with getting them to fulfill their obligations.