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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 12 Hansard (21 November) . . Page.. 4145 ..

Is the Government planning to introduce gender-reassignment legislation to the ACT Legislative Assembly and if so (a) what is the current progress on preparation of this legislation, and (b) what is the timetable for its introduction.

Mr Humphries - The answer to the member's question to the Attorney General is as follows:

A uniform, Australia-wide approach to recognition of gender reassigment is a matter which has been canvassed by the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General. While I favour uniformity, which would provide a consistent and simple approach to recognition for those who undergo gender reassignment, agreement on this issue does not appear to be imminent.

As a result, I have directed that my Department examine options for ACT legislation to recognise gender reassignment and the matter is now under active consideration. There are a number of legislative models for the recognition of gender reassignment. Different approaches have been taken by South Australia, New South Wales and the National Gender Dysphoria Advisory Group of Australia.

I intend that, once I have received advice on these options, the matter be considered by the Government before the end of this year, with a view to the preparation of legislation to recognise gender reassignment for introduction in the 1997 Autumn sittings of the Legislative Assembly.

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