Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce's electorate office solves six decade identity crisis

The Quirindi woman fell through the cracks – growing up she went by a name different to the one registered on her birth certificate and due to family circumstances, she was never told her “real” name.

It may seem like a small oversight, but without knowing her legal name, Mrs Radcliffe has struggled to do day-to-day activities most people take for granted – the only reason she has a bank account is because it was opened when she was a child.

“I went for a passport and they told me I don’t exist,” Mrs Radcliffe said.

“That has happened so often, I’ve been told I don't exist my whole life.

“You have no idea what it is like to try to get identification a million times and to get knocked back a million times.

“The last person I went to laughed about it. You don’t laugh at someone that doesn’t have a name, your name means everything.”

Just when she was about to give up all hope, someone recommended she give Barnaby Joyce’s office a call.

With the help of the New England MP’s staff, Mrs Radcliffe had a photo identification card – and an identity – in six weeks. “The day I got the ID I cried,”  she said.

“I finally was somebody. I’m so proud of this card, it’s like I’ve won the lotto.”

As soon as she contacted Mr Joyce’s office, they went hunting for a way to resolve her unique dilemma.

They recommended she register her husband’s last name as her birth name – a seemingly simple solution, but something no one else had been able to tell her after decades of searching.

“They’ve been amazing, I’ve had a lifetime of grief and they’ve given me peace,” she said.

Mr Joyce said he and his office were always happy to assist where possible to help resolve concerns that are brought to his attention.

“I’m delighted to have been able help Mrs Radcliffe with her issue,” Mr Joyce said.

Mr Joyce said the organisation FairGO, which aims to help Australian voters with national, local or personal issues, had twice named his office as being the best respondents to issues of concern to voters. “My electorate staff can always be contacted on our toll-free number,” Mr Joyce said.

Mrs Radcliffe wants her story to be a cautionary tale to other parents. “Make sure you do the right thing by your kids.”