An increased data sharing programme between the Ministry of Social Development and Inland Revenue will be run in-house with existing technology.
 
The government has announced the signing of an Order in Council to expand information sharing between the two departments.
 Revenue Minister Peter Dunne said that the agencies already shared client details, and this signing will mean that from May 31 relevant client information will be shared automatically, rather than being provided upon specific request, as is the current practice.

Mr Dunne stressed that only information needed to prove a benefit entitlement will be shared.
 
Justine Auton, general manager Integrity Services - Ministry of Social Development, says MSD has not contracted the services of an external provider in relation to its increased data-sharing programme with Inland Revenue.
 
“The Ministry is running this programme within existing technology and staff resources,” she says.
 
The enhanced information sharing is the next step to crack down on welfare fraud.
 
The new protocols are part of the government’s drive for improved information sharing between government agencies to help deliver better public services.
 
Update: IRD launches mobile app
 
As part of its move to developing online services, Inland Revenue has launched a new mobile web application that gives people access to their tax and social policy entitlements while on the move.
 
They can view their current-year tax deductions from their salary or wages, and those with Working for Families tax credits or child support arrangements can view those entitlements.
 
Revenue minister Peter Dunne says the app is a natural extension of Inland Revenue’s online work and reflects the fact that busy people wants to use their mobile devices to handle their personal and financial affairs.
 
“For example, if you are a student you can look up your balance wherever you are to help manage your loan, or you can use it for simple things like payment reminders or changing your contact or bank account details.”
 
People will need to register for Inland Revenue’s online services. The app is available at www.ird.govt.nz/mobile .


Published by Computerworld, written By Randal Jackson | Wellington | Friday, 4 May, 2012
Link to article:  http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/msd-and-ird-use-existing-tech-for-automatic-info-sharing?opendocument&utm_source=topnews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=topnews