media release

DATE 25/03/09

Baby Safe Haven Petition to be Tabled

A petition signed by 384 Tasmanians calling for the introduction of Baby Safe Havens in Tasmania will be tabled in Parliament today by Lyons MHA Heather Butler.

“I welcome Heather Butler’s efforts to bring the issue of baby abandonment to the fore in Tasmania.” Senator Polley announced. “The introduction of Baby Safe Havens is a necessary step that will ensure mothers have somewhere safe to leave newborn infants, rather than resorting to abandoning these babies in unsafe circumstances or, worse yet, causing harm to these innocent new lives.”

The petition, which has been circulated by Senator Polley and will be tabled in the Senate in the near future, calls for Baby Safe Haven laws to be enacted, allowing the Baby Safe Havens to operate. These havens allow mothers to leave their babies in a safe environment, normally a police station or community centre, without fear of criminal prosecution. On average, 10 babies are abandoned in Australia each year, sometimes with physical harm resulting to the child through neglect or exposure.

“This is an immediate solution designed to ensure the health and safety of these babies and would form part of an overall long-term solution to address the root causes of baby abandonment.” Senator Polley said. “If these laws saved just one life they will have achieved their purpose.”

Anyone interested in the introduction of Baby Safe Havens in Tasmania is encouraged to contact their local state or federal elected member to voice their support.  If you would like to sign the petition please contact Senator Polley’s office for further information.

For additional comments, please do not hesitate to contact Sancia Colgrave on (03) 6331 2599.