In 2018, Women Speak Tasmania made its first formal policy submission to an Australian parliamentary inquiry, contributing to the Northern Territory’s consideration of reforms to birth registration laws.
The inquiry examined proposed changes to the registration of sex on birth certificates through the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018. These reforms included removing previous medical requirements and introducing a system allowing changes to legal sex based on self-declaration.
Our submission focused on the importance of maintaining clarity around biological sex in law. We raised concerns about the implications of redefining sex in legal frameworks, particularly in areas where sex-based distinctions have historically been considered relevant, such as data collection, service provision, and legal protections.
We also noted that birth certificates serve as foundational records, and highlighted the need for careful consideration when altering the way sex is recorded in official documents.
You can read our original submission here:
Following the inquiry, the Northern Territory Parliament passed the legislation in late 2018, and the reforms came into effect shortly thereafter.
This submission marked the beginning of Women Speak Tasmania’s engagement in public policy discussions on the role of sex in law. It reflects an early contribution to a national conversation that continues to evolve.