media release

DATE 25/06/09

States must heed the call for Baby Safe Havens

Senator Polley has renewed her calls for the swift introduction of baby safe haven legislation in Australia. Yesterday Senator Polley again addressed the Senate on the ongoing spate of baby abandonment and the need to adopt measures to protect the wellbeing of these newborns.

"In September 2008 I wrote to all 9 Attorneys-General, Federal, State and Territory, calling for a nationally consistent approach to the introduction of baby safe haven laws across Australia." Senator Polley said. "Of those who actually responded to the letter, none showed any level of commitment to what is a serious yet avoidable situation.

"Their responses are unsatisfactory to say the least and I will be writing to each of them again in the coming weeks to reiterate the absolute importance of dealing sensibly and rationally with this issue." Senator Polley confirmed.

Despite an array of parenting and child protection services across the nation, and despite the best intentions of each jurisdiction, some mothers still chose to abandon their newborns out of fear and helplessness. Of the 3 most recent abandonments, only one was lucky enough to survive the ordeal.

"These deaths are avoidable if we only offered a safe and non-intimidating option to these scared and desperate mothers." Senator Polley stated. "I will continue this campaign without hesitation because it is the only thing that can be done."

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