Page 296 - Week 01 - Thursday, 14 February 2019
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In developing this bill we have considered the human rights of both the birth parent and the non-birth parent. The bill will give the choice to a birth parent of the stillborn child, on the condition that the birth parent must consult with the child’s other parent before making a decision. There are exceptions to this consultation requirement, which includes the situation where the birth parent is also a victim of family violence, or where the non-birth parent is not contactable.
To extend the benefits of this bill to as many parents as possible, the bill will operate retrospectively for up to six months from the date of commencement. For a child whose birth took place within that prior six-month period, and whose birth has not already been registered, the birth parent will have a choice in deciding whether or not to register the baby as a stillborn child. This will only apply in the particular circumstances covered by the bill.
The government has listened to the concerns of doctors and families who have personal experience of these issues and we have taken action to improve our processes. While this bill will bring about a small change in the system of birth registration, it allows us to handle the issue in a sensitive and compassionate way which can make a real difference to bereaved families. I commend the bill to the Assembly.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.
Bill agreed to.
Adjournment
Motion (by Ms Stephen-Smith) proposed:
That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Yerrabi electorate
MS ORR (Yerrabi) (4.51): I rise today to update the Assembly on what has been happening in my electorate of Yerrabi since our last sitting week in November.
As many of us are aware, Taylor has a new school. In fact, Margaret Hendry School is the ACT’s newest school, having opened just recently, on 4 February, for children from Taylor, Casey and Moncrieff to start the first term of 2019. The school offers an innovative learning environment built around open learning areas and outdoor spaces. With a progressive design and future-focused, evidence-based approach to education, Margaret Hendry School is already an invaluable addition to the Yerrabi community.
By the same token, in addition to having access to strong educational services, there is a distinct benefit to our communities when they have access to better play spaces with
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