Women Speak Tasmania (WST) is calling on Premier Jeremy Rockliff to honour his 2023 commitment to ensure the Tasmanian community has an opportunity to participate in consultation on proposed conversion practices legislation.
WST’s petition opposing the Bill, sponsored by Michael Ferguson MP, has attracted almost 2,000 signatures in just four days, demonstrating growing public concern about legislation with far-reaching implications for children, health professionals, educators, families, employers and people of faith.
In response to a 2022 petition sponsored by former independent MP Lara Alexander, concerning the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute’s recommendations, Premier Rockliff stated:
“It is important that the Tasmanian community have adequate opportunity to participate in consultation.”
He also stated:
“Our Government will always make decisions on the basis of expert advice and best practice.”
WST President Dr Elizabeth Caballero said:
“The community has not been given a genuine opportunity to scrutinise the Greens’ deeply flawed Bill. Submissions from legal academics, health professionals and community advocates have not been published, preventing public scrutiny of the evidence and arguments presented.”
“Developments in medical evidence, gender-related healthcare and legal approaches warrant renewed examination of the TLRI’s earlier recommendations, particularly where legislation could affect support for young people experiencing distress about their sex or bodies.”
“Premier Rockliff must honour his commitment. Tasmanians deserve transparency, independent scrutiny and a genuine opportunity to be heard before this complex legislation proceeds.”
“Parliament must not be pressured into supporting a Bill simply because opposing it may be portrayed as endorsing conversion practices. The legislation itself must be examined on its merits, with evidence and safeguards at the centre of the debate.”
WST calls on Premier Rockliff to establish a public parliamentary inquiry into the Greens’ Conversion Practices Prohibition Bill 2026, giving Tasmanians a genuine opportunity to examine the evidence, legal implications and potential unintended consequences.
ENDS
Media Contact:
Dr Elizabeth Caballero, retired GP
President, Women Speak Tasmania
Attachment: Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s response to the 2022 petition sponsored by former independent MP Lara Alexander.
Read former independent MP Lara Alexander petition