FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                 DATE 04/06/10

 

A baby boy who was abandoned in early 2008 was finally laid to rest in a burial service in Shepparton yesterday, almost 2 years after he was found dead and abandoned.

 

Tasmanian Labor Senator Helen Polley said that the baby boy was found dead and abandoned at a bus shelter in Shepparton in July 2008 and the baby’s mother has never been identified and has yet to come forward.

 

Senator Polley thanked Bereavement Assistance and all others contributors for organizing and providing the baby with a funeral.

 

“After spending many months in a morgue whilst the coronial inquest was taking place, it is of some comfort to know that the baby boy has finally had a funeral service,” Senator Polley said.

 

Monsignor Peter Jeffrey, Police Chaplain of Shepparton, said that there had been extraordinary community support at this sad time.

 

“There has been amazing support in two main areas from the community, the respect for the life of the infant and also concern for the mother.

 

“I would like the community to be aware that no matter how desperate someone is, there are always services and support to assist people – this is a strong message that I would like to convey to communities,” Monsignor Jeffrey said.

 

Senator Polley said that this sad occasion reiterated the need for the implementation of Baby Safe Havens, with media reports suggesting that on average 10 babies are abandoned each year.

 

Baby Safe Havens allow for a safe drop-off place where unwanted babies could be left rather than being abandoned and left to be harmed or even die, as was the case for this baby.

 

“The Safe Havens could be implemented in existing infrastructure such as police stations, fire stations or hospitals, where the child can be cared for and the mother wouldn’t have to face prosecution,” Senator Polley said.

 

“Even if a Baby Safe Haven just saved one baby’s life it would make the effort worthwhile,” Senator Polley said.