Page 2001 - Week 07 - Thursday, 13 August 2020
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Under the bill as drafted there is a category for people who are at least 12 but not yet 16. In this instance, we believe 12 is too young to take these steps without a parent’s or guardian’s support. We believe 14 years to be a more appropriate age. I indicate that I will seek leave to move amendments later to raise the age to 14. Apart from that issue relating to age, we are not opposing this bill today.
MS STEPHEN-SMITH (Kurrajong—Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Minister for Children, Youth and Families and Minister for Health) (5.11): The ACT government and ACT Labor are resolute in our support for the rights of transgender, intersex and gender diverse young people in the ACT. Being able to live openly as your true self has a fundamental impact on health and wellbeing. Young people who are able to live openly here have better educational outcomes, better employment outcomes and are more secure with family and friends and in our community.
For young people who are transgender, intersex or gender diverse, the barriers put up by certain elements of our society can be challenging, but this government will always stand in solidarity with them and will act to remove those unnecessary barriers to achieving their true identity and self.
The amendments create additional pathways for the change of gender identity for a young person under 18 years. Importantly, consideration has been given to ensure that these changes are accessible and easy to navigate for young people who can often already be handling additional pressures in life. The changes that can be made through the additional pathways relate only to written information recorded on a register maintained by the Registrar-General and on birth certificates. It is important to note that the amendments do not enable young people to make decisions about medical treatment, as that is a separate matter.
The eligibility for a young person who is trans, intersex, or gender diverse to apply for a change of registered details under the new pathways varies depending on the age of a young person and whether they have the support of a person with parental responsibility. When a young person reaches 16 years of age, they will have the capacity to apply for a change of gender identity as if they were an adult.
This may seem like a small change to those of us who are not directly affected, but the impact of these amendments for young people who are trans, intersex or gender diverse is very real. A 2017 Telethon Kids Institute study on trans youth showed that up to 79 per cent of respondents had self-harmed and 48 per cent have attempted suicide. We cannot remove all of the barriers imposed by certain elements of society on young people who just want to live as their true selves, but these changes will make the process just a little bit easier and just a little bit less stressful.
I was recently reminded of the importance of this at the Young Canberra Citizen of the Year awards when Calwell high’s sexuality and gender alliance, also known as SAGA, won the group achievement award. The pride in the room was palpable. SAGA is a space for students to be their true and authentic selves. Members are recognised as leaders, with their special hoodies making it easy for people in need of support or advice to identify them in the school community.
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