Government welcomes VLRC report on birth registration

The Victorian Coalition Government has welcomed the Victorian Law Reform Commission report on birth registration, which was tabled in Parliament today.

The report includes 26 recommendations to enhance processes for birth notification, registration, the issuing of birth certificates, access, awareness and fees.

Attorney-General Robert Clark thanked the Victorian Law Reform Commission for their work on the report and the individuals and organisations who provided feedback to last year’s draft report.

Mr Clark said work by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages was currently underway or completed on many of the Commission’s recommendations, including:
•additional information provided on birth registration forms, including clarifying what information will be printed on the birth certificate;
•additional protections for identifying information where the applicant is at risk of family violence;
•development of an online system for parents to register births;
•a page on the Registry website providing information about Koori services provided by BDM;
•revisions to proof of identity requirements when registering a birth; and
•development of guidelines for waiving of certificate fees.

“This report highlights a number of ongoing opportunities to ensure the processes for birth registration are clear and accessible for all Victorians,” Mr Clark said.

Mr Clark said the report would strengthen the work of the registry and ensure it continues to serve the community well in this its 160th anniversary year.

“The Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages provides an invaluable service that touches the lives of all Victorians,” Mr Clark said.