media release


DATE 23/04/09

Baby Safe Haven Legislation Needed Now 

Senator Polley has called for action on baby safe haven legislation to be given immediate priority by State and Federal governments. “In the last 12 months, 3 babies have been reported in the media as being abandoned in Australia, the last being only days ago. The great tragedy is that only one of these innocent children was found alive.” Senator Polley outlined. “We have a responsibility as politicians and as people to protect these children.”

Parents who abandon their child can face criminal prosecution. “These mothers are not criminals. They are people who are acting out of fear. They fear keeping their babies and then abandon them, often in unsafe circumstances, out of fear of punishment.” Senator Polley stated.

In September 2008 Senator Polley called for legislation to be adopted that would create a national network of baby safe havens – identified and appropriate places where children could be left by parents without the fear of prosecution. These havens would allow parents to remove one part of their fear and to ensure their baby is left with qualified people who can provide medical assistance and safe accommodation.

Senator Polley wrote to all state Attorneys-General and relevant Federal Ministers last year to gather national consensus for the proposed laws. To date, 4 states and territories have not responded. Those who did respond either do not support the proposal or do not express an opinion. “Their responses ignore the reality that some people will abandon their babies and will do this in an unsafe manner. This legislation is the best possible hope for these babies and the best hope for ensuring they do not end up as another needless death.”

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