Footnotes

CHAPTER 1 - Introduction

[1]        Dr Damien Riggs, Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, pp 29-31. See, also, Rainbow Families Council, Submission 73, p. 3.

[2]        Dr Sonia Allan, Submission 30, p. 5.

[3]        See Wang, YA, Chambers, GM, and Sullivan, EA, 'Assisted reproductive technology in Australia and New Zealand 2008', Assisted Reproduction Technology Series No 14, September 2010, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

[4]        Wang, YA, Chambers, GM, and Sullivan, EA, 'Assisted reproductive technology in Australia and New Zealand 2008', Assisted Reproduction Technology Series No 14, September 2010, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

[5]        The figure is 10.3 per cent – see Wang, YA, Chambers, GM, and Sullivan, EA, 'Assisted reproductive technology in Australia and New Zealand 2008', Assisted Reproduction Technology Series No 14, September 2010, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, p. 4.

[6]        National Health and Medical Research Council, answers to questions on notice, received 17 November 2010.

[7]        Hurst, T, and Lancaster, P, 'Assisted conception – Australia and New Zealand 1999-2000', Assisted Conception Series No 6, 2001, AIHW, National Perinatal Statistics Unit and Fertility Society of Australia, p. 39.

[8]        Hurst, T, and Lancaster, P, 'Assisted conception – Australia and New Zealand 1999-2000', Assisted Conception Series No 6, 2001, AIHW, National Perinatal Statistics Unit and Fertility Society of Australia, p. 36.

[9]        Western Australia Department of Health, answer to question on notice, received 24 November 2010.

[10]      Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority, Time to Tell, http://www.varta.org.au/www/257/1003057/displayarticle/1003349.html, accessed 10 December 2010.

[11]      See, for example, Dr Sonia Allan, Submission 30, p. 5.

[12]      Donor Conception Support Group (DCSG) website, 'National inquiry into donor conception practice', http://www.dcsg.org.au/legislation/inquiry.html, accessed 30 June 2010; Mrs Caroline Lorbach, DCSG, Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 14.

[13]      See, for example, Submission 157 (name withheld), p. 1.

[14]      Western Australia Department of Health, answer to question on notice, received 25 November 2010.

[15]      Ms Rita Alesi, Victorian Infertility Counsellors Group, Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, p. 76.

[16]      Ms Marianne Tome, Victorian Infertility Counsellors Group, Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, p. 76.

[17]      See, for example, the Fertility Treatment Act 1995 (Vic), as at 2000. In Pearce v South Australian Health Commission (1996) 66 SASR 486, 10 September 1996, per Bollen, Millhouse and Williams JJ, the Full Court of the South Australian Supreme Court unanimously declared that provisions of the Reproductive Technology Act 1988 (SA) discriminated on the ground of marital status, and thus were in breach of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth).

[18]       [2000] FCA 1009, 28 July 2000, per Sundberg J.

[19]      This was on the basis that section 22 of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) makes it unlawful for a person to refuse to provide services to another on the ground of that person's marital status; and section 109 of the Australian Constitution provides that where a state Act is inconsistent with a Commonwealth Act, the state Act is invalid to the extent of the inconsistency. This decision was upheld by the High Court of Australia in Re McBain; Ex parte Australian Catholic Bishops Conference [2002] HCA 16, 18 April 2002.

[20]      'Superovulation' is the release of a larger than usual amount of oocytes stimulated by fertility medication.

[21]      Department of Health and Ageing website, 'Assisted Reproductive Technology ART Services', http://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/search.cfm?q=assisted+reproductive&sopt=S, accessed 1 July 2010.

[22]      There are 12 procedures covered by the new upper limit placed on benefits that can be paid under the EMSN: Department of Health and Ageing website, 'New item structure for Assisted Reproductive Technologies', http://www.health.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/News-20091224-Assisted-Reproductive-Technologies, accessed 20 December 2010.

[23]      Donor Conception Support Group website, 'National inquiry into donor conception practice', http://www.dcsg.org.au/legislation/inquiry.html, accessed 30 June 2010.

[24]      Donor Conception Support Group website, 'National inquiry into donor conception practice', http://www.dcsg.org.au/legislation/inquiry.html, accessed 30 June 2010.

[25]      Submission 42 (name withheld), p. [1]; Submission 78 (name withheld), pp [1-2].

CHAPTER 2

[1]        NMHRC, NHMRC Guidelines, http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/file/publications/synopses/e78.pdf, accessed 30 June 2010. These Guidelines were originally issued in 2004 and revised in 2007.

[2]        COAG website, 'Communiqué 5 April 2002', http://www.coag.gov.au/coag_meeting_outcomes/2002-04-05/index.cfm,accessed 30 June 2010.

[3]        COAG website, Arrangements for Nationally-Consistent Bans on Human Cloning and Other Unacceptable Practices, and Use of Excess Assisted Reproductive Technology Embryos, http://www.coag.gov.au/coag_meeting_outcomes/2002-04-05/docs/cloning.cfm#5, accessed 24 November 2010.

[4]        SCAG, the Australian Health Ministers' Conference and the Community and Disability Services Ministers' Conference Joint Working Group, A Proposal for a National Model to Harmonise Regulation of Surrogacy, January 2009, http://www.scag.gov.au/lawlink/SCAG/ll_scag.nsf/pages/scag_pastconsultations, accessed 11 November 2010.

[5]        SCAG, the Australian Health Ministers' Conference and the Community and Disability Services Ministers' Conference Joint Working Group, A Proposal for a National Model to Harmonise Regulation of Surrogacy, January 2009, http://www.scag.gov.au/lawlink/SCAG/ll_scag.nsf/pages/scag_pastconsultations, accessed 11 November 2010, at p. 20.

[6]        SCAG Communiqué, 16-17 April 2009, p. 7, http://www.scag.gov.au/lawlink/SCAG/ll_scag.nsf/pages/scag_meetingoutcomes, accessed 23 November 2010.

[7]        Attorney-General's Department, answer to question on notice, provided 19 November 2010, p. 2.

[8]        SCAG Communiqué, 10 December 2010, http://www.scag.gov.au/lawlink/SCAG/ll_scag.nsf/vwFiles/SCAG_Communique_101210.pdf/$file/SCAG_Communique_101210.pdf, accessed 13 December 2010.

[9]        Attorney-General's Department, answer to question on notice, provided 19 November 2010, p. 2.

[10]      Attorney-General's Department, answer to question on notice, provided 19 November 2010, p. 2.

[11]      Attorney-General's Department, answer to question on notice, provided 19 November 2010, p. 1.

[12]      [1991] ATS 4, http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/treaties/1991/4.html, accessed 19 November 2010.

[13]      Dr Annemarie Devereux, Attorney-General's Department, Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, pp 31-32.

[14]      The Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee report, Provisions of the Research Involving Embryos and Prohibition of Human Cloning Bill 2002, October 2002, noted that, as there was no express constitutional power to enact this legislation, the Commonwealth was relying on the corporations power, the trade and commerce power and the external affairs power, pp 96-97 at para 4.150.

[15]      Section 21 of the Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002 (Cth).

[16]      Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2008 (Vic), Human Cloning for Reproduction and Other Prohibited Practices Act 2003 (NSW), Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2003 (SA), Human Reproductive Technology Act 1991 (WA), Research Involving Human Embryos and Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2003 (Qld), Human Cloning for Reproduction and Other Prohibited Practices Act 2003 (Tas), and Human Cloning and Embryo Research Act 2004 (ACT).

[17]      See, for example, Aldridge v Keaton (2009) 42 FamLR 369; Re Michael (2009) 41 FamLR 694; Re Mark (2003) 31 FamLR 162; Re Patrick (2002) 28 FamLR 579.

[18]      Dr Clive Morris, NHMRC, Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 35.

[19]      NHMRC Guidelines, pp 22, 25-29, 33, 41-44 and 49-51.

[20]      NHMRC Guidelines, p. 15.

[21]      NHMRC Guidelines, p. 15.

[22]      NHMRC, 'Regulation of Assisted Reproductive Technology' website, www.nhmrc.gov.au/research/embryos/information/art.htm, accessed 9 September 2010.

[23]      NHMRC Guidelines, p. 50.

[24]      NHMRC Guidelines, p. 50.

[25]      NHMRC Guidelines, p. 28.

[26]      NHMRC Guidelines, p. 29.

[27]      NHMRC Guidelines, p. 29.

[28]      NHMRC, 'Regulation of Assisted Reproductive Technology' website, www.nhmrc.gov.au/research/embryos/information/art.htm, accessed 9 September 2010.

[29]      RTAC, Code of Practice for Assisted Reproductive Technology Units, May 2008, www.fertilitysociety.com.au/wp-content/uploads/20080924-rtac-cop-final.pdf, accessed 1 September 2010.

[30]      Definition of 'accredited ART centre' in section 8 and section 11 of the Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002 (Cth); RTAC, Code of Practice for Assisted Reproductive Technology Units, p. 4.

[31]      Fertility Society of Australia, answer to question on notice, provided 17 November 2010, document 3 of 6, RTAC, Code of Practice for Assisted Reproductive Technology Units, p. 7.

[32]      Associate Professor Illingworth, Fertility Society, Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, p. 63.

[33]      Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority website, 'History of assisted reproductive treatment in Victoria', http://www.varta.org.au/history-of-assisted-reproductive-treatment-in-vict/w1/i1003269/, accessed 30 June 2010. The Act commenced operation in 1988.

[34]      Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority website, 'History of assisted reproductive treatment in Victoria', http://www.varta.org.au/history-of-assisted-reproductive-treatment-in-vict/w1/i1003269/, accessed 30 June 2010.

[35]      Section 5 of the 2008 Victorian Act.

[36]      Identifying information is information that would directly identify a person and could include, for example, name, date of birth, address, occupation and medical histories of the person and their family. Non-identifying information could include, for example, sex, year of birth, eye and hair colour, height, weight, level of education and qualifications, marital status, number of children, nationality, culture, religion and interests.

[37]      From 1 January 2010, responsibility for the Voluntary Register and the Central Register was transferred from VARTA to the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

[38]      The recommendations were that, firstly, the Victorian Government should consider as a matter of urgency whether measures should be taken to ensure that existing and unprotected donor records are preserved and, secondly, that the 57^th Parliament re-refer the terms of reference to enable the committee to complete its final report: see, Victorian Parliament Law Reform Committee, Inquiry into access by donor-conceived people to information about donors, Interim Report, September 2010.

[39]      NSW Department of Health website, 'Assisted Reproductive Technology', http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/hospitals/phc/art.asp, accessed 15 June 2010.

[40]      Section 3 of the NSW Act.

[41]      NSW Department of Health website, 'Assisted Reproductive Technology', http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/hospitals/phc/art.asp, accessed 15 June 2010.

[42]      NSW Department of Health, http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/hospitals/phc/pdf/volunteer_donor_registerart_a4.pdf, accessed 26 November 2010.

[43]      Formerly the Reproductive Technology Act 1988 (SA). The name was changed in 2003 when the Reproductive Technology Act was amended to remove the regulation of embryo research from its provisions.

[44]      Section 15 of the SA Act.

[45]      Subsection 15(8) of the SA Act.

[46]      Section 15 of the SA Act.

[47]      Subregulation 4(4) of the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Guidelines 2010 (SA).

[48]      Paragraph 8(2)(a) of the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Regulations 2010 (SA); NHMRC Guidelines, http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/e78syn.htm, accessed 31 August 2010.

[49]      Section 4 of the WA Act.

[50]      Reproductive Technology Council website, 'Questions and answers about the donation of human reproductive material', http://www.rtc.org.au/publications/docs/Q&A.pdf, accessed 16 June 2010, pp 5-6.

[51]      Reproductive Technology Council website, 'Questions and answers about the donation of human reproductive material', http://www.rtc.org.au/publications/docs/Q&A.pdf, accessed 16 June 2010, p. 5.

[52]      Western Australia Department of Health, Submission 126, p. 7.

[53]      Reproductive Technology Council website, 'Questions and answers about the donation of human reproductive material', http://www.rtc.org.au/publications/docs/Q&A.pdf, accessed 16 June 2010, p. 5.

[54]      Department of Health (WA) website, 'Voluntary register', http://www.voluntaryregister.health.wa.gov.au/home/, accessed 30 June 2010.

[55]      See, for example, Mrs Susan Hurst, Submission 2, p. 3; Submission 4 (name withheld); Ms Zoe Brillante, Submission 6; Mr Adam Quinlivan, Submission 12, p. 2; Ms Elizabeth Lorbach, Submission 14; Mr Michael and Mrs Laureen Dempsey, Submission 27; Dr Sonia Allan, Submission 30, p. 3; Submission 33 (name withheld), p. 2; Mr Gordon Ley, Submission 36; Mr Damian Adams, Submission 38, p. [2]; Submission 43 (name withheld); Ms Kimberley Springfield, Submission 52; Rainbow Families Council, Submission 73; Ms Romana Rossi, Submission 75, p. 5; Mrs Elizabeth Kennelly, Submission 80; Ms Elizabeth Hurrell, Submission 101, p. 3; Monash IVF, Submission 120, p. 2; Mrs Caroline Lorbach and other members of the DCSG, Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010.

[56]      See, for example, Rainbow Families Council, Submission 73, p. 2; Monash IVF, Submission 120, p. 2.

[57]      Monash IVF, Submission 120, p. 2.

[58]      Submission 73, p. 2.

[59]      Submission 16, p. 1.

[60]      Submission 99, p. 5.      

[61]      Submission 122, pp 111-123.

[62]      Submission 54 (name withheld), p. 1.

[63]      See paragraph 6.1.4 of the NHMRC Guidelines.

[64]      Submission 30, p. 9.

[65]      DCSG website, 'National inquiry into donor conception practice', http://www.dcsg.org.au/legislation/inquiry.html, accessed 30 June 2010.

[66]      Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, at p. 13.

[67]      Submission 99, p. 3.

[68]      Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 4.

[69]      Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 9.

[70]      Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 10.

[71]      Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 36.

[72]      Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 39.

[73]      See, for example, Ms Susan Hurst, Submission 2, p. 3; DES Action Australia - NSW, Submission 18, p. [3]; Miss Narelle Grech, Submission 107, p. 5.

[74]      Submission 103, p. 2.

[75]      Submission 68, p. 3.

[76]      Submission 155, p. 1.

[77]      Submission 155, p. 1.

[78]      Submission 48, p. [1].

[79]      Submission 48, p. [2].

[80]      See, for example, Victorian Infertility Counsellors Group, Submission 68, p. 3; SMC Australia, Submission 99, p. 7; Monash IVF, Submission 120, p. 2. Miss Lauren Burns, Submission 40, p. 2, suggested the former ITA could be a model. However, despite the more comprehensive legislative regime in Victoria, concerns were still raised about some aspects of the Victorian legislation, particularly in relation to certain changes that occurred when ITA became VARTA: see, for example, Tonia, Submission 7, pp 3-4; Victorian Infertility Counsellors Group, Submission 68, p. 5; Public Interest Law Clearing House (PILCH), Submission 125, pp 9-10.

[81]      See, for example, Mr Damian Adams, Submission 38, p. [3]; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 137.

[82]      See, for example, IVF Australia, Submission 23, p. 1; Fertility Society, Submission 106, p. [14].

[83]      Submission 38, p. [3].

[84]      Submission 122, p. 16.

[85]      Submission 114, p. 1. See also Submission 4 (name withheld).

[86]      Submission 114, p. 1. See also Submission 4 (name withheld).

[87]      Dr Sonia Allan, answer to question on notice, provided 8 November 2010, pp 1-2.

[88]      Dr Sonia Allan, answer to question on notice, provided 8 November 2010, pp 1-2.

[89]      Dr Sonia Allan, answer to question on notice, provided 8 November 2010, pp 1-5.

[90]      Submission 23, p. 1.

[91]      Ms Zoe Brillante, Submission 6, p. [1]. Section 27 of the Assisted Reproductive Technology Act 2007 (NSW) imposes limits on the number of women who may use sperm from a single donor.

[92]      Submission 1 (name withheld), p. 1.

[93]      See, for example, Dr Damien Riggs, Submission 19, p. 1; Submission 29 (name withheld), p. [2]; Ms Vanessa Ferguson, Submission 55, p. 3; Submission 157 (name withheld), p. 2.

[94]      Submission 19, p. 1.

[95]      Submission 19, p. 2.

[96]      See, for example, Ms Myfanwy Cummerford, Submission 63, p. [3]; Ms Kimberly Springfield, Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010; Mrs Caroline Lorbach, DCSG, Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 12.

[97]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 12.

[98]      Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 20.

[99]      Submission 68, p. 2.

[100]    Submission 48, p. [4].

[101]    Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 10.

[102]    Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 12.

[103]    Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 45.

[104]    Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, p. 46.

[105]    Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, p. 46. See also the submission from Fertility First, Submission 104, p. 3.

[106]    Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 43.

[107]    Submission 17, p. 3.

[108]    Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, p. 9.

[109]    Submission 9, p. [4].

[110]    Submission 9, p. [3].

CHAPTER 3 - Establishment of a national register

[1]        See, for example, Mr Callum Lorbach, Submission 3; Mr Adam Quinlivan, Submission 12, p. [2]; Ms Karen Boyd, Submission 16, p. 2; Mr Michael and Mrs Laureen Dempsey, Submission 27, p. [2]; Submission 29 (name withheld), p. [2]; Dr Sonia Allan, Submission 30, p. 3; Ms Helen Kane, Submission 32, p. 2; Mr Damian Adams, Submission 38, p. [2]; Miss Lauren Burns, Submission 40, p. 2; Submission 54 (name withheld), p. 4; Submission 59 (name withheld), p. 2; Submission 60 (name withheld), p. [2]; Submission 89 (name withheld), p. 2; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 137; SMC Australia, Submission 99, p. 7; Mrs Leonie Hewitt, DCSG, Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 7; Dr Damien Riggs, Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 37; Ms Marianne Tome, Victorian Infertility Counsellors Group, Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, pp 72-73.

[2]        See, for example, Ms Lynette Mason, Submission 24, p. 2; Dr Sonia Allan, Submission 30, p. 12; Ms Kate Dobby, Submission 103, p. 3.

[3]        Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, p. 7.

[4]        Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, p. 5.

[5]        Submission 52, p. [1].

[6]        Submission 30, p. 6.

[7]        Sections 49, 51, 53 and 70 of the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act 2008 (Vic); Regulation 14 of the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Regulations 2009 (NSW); subsection 44(4) and section 45 of the Human Reproductive Technology Act 1991 (WA).

[8]        Submission 103, p. 3.

[9]        The guidelines apply to South Australia in this respect by operation of subregulation 8(2) of the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Regulations 2010 (SA), which specifies that a condition of registration of an assisted reproductive technology provider is compliance with the NHMRC guidelines.

[10]      Paragraph 10.3.4 of the NHMRC's Ethical Guidelines on the Use of Reproductive Technology in Clinical Practice and Research (2007).

[11]      Paragraph 10.1.1 of the NHMRC Guidelines.

[12]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 5.

[13]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 6.

[14]      See, for example, Miss Laura Burns, Submission 40, p. 1; Ms Kimberley Springfield, Submission 52, p. [2]; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 137. It is also worth noting that, in the Netherlands, records are required to be retained for 80 years and may be accessed by donor conceived people and their direct relatives. Similarly, in the case of adoption, many records, particularly birth certificates, in Australia are accessible by adopted people and their close relatives, and there is a requirement that these records be kept in perpetuity.

[15]      Paragraph 10.3.1 of the NHMRC Guidelines.

[16]      Submission 99, p. 5. See, also, Rainbow Families Council, Submission 73, p. 2; Ms Elizabeth Hurrell, Submission 101, p. 3.

[17]      Public Interest Law Clearing House (PILCH), Submission 125, p. 8; see, also, Ms Kate Dobby, Submission 103, p. 3.

[18]      Paragraph 10.3.2 of the NHMRC Guidelines.

[19]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 44.

[20]      Miss Lauren Burns, Submission 40, pp 3-4; Public Interest Law Clearing House (PILCH), Submission 125, p. 8.

[21]      See, for example, Miss Lauren Burns, Submission 40, pp 3-4; Mrs Caroline and Mr Patrice Lorbach, Submission 76, p. 5; Mr Michael Adams, Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, p. 7.

[22]      Submission 40, p. 4.

[23]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 44.

[24]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 11.

[25]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 11.

[26]      Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 7.

[27]      Submission 99, p. 7.

[28]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 40.

[29]      Submission 122, p. 137.

[30]      Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, p. 72.

[31]      Submission 30, p. 15. In the United Kingdom, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority records all births as a result of ART procedures in all licensed UK clinics from 1 August 1991. Donor conceived people born before 1991 can only access information through clinics, or through UK DonorLink or Donor Sibling Link. UK DonorLink manages a voluntary register, facilitates DNA testing, provides support and counselling to those affected by donor conception, and facilitates contact between donor conceived people (over 18 years of age), their siblings, and donors. In the Netherlands, a register was created in 2002, from which donor conceived children, born after 1 June 2004, may obtain non-identifying information from age 12, and identifying information from age 16, about their donor. DNA testing may be used. If a donor's circumstances have changed, the donor may object to the release of identifying information. This information will be released to the donor conceived child unless strong considerations apply. If necessary, a court may determine the matter.

[32]      See, for example, Mr Michael and Mrs Laureen Dempsey, Submission 27, p. [1]; Mr Damian Adams, Submission 38, p. [2]; Submission 89 (name withheld); p. 2; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 138.

[33]      See, for example, Ms Helen Kane, Submission 32, p. 2; Victorian Infertility Counsellors Group, Submission 68; p. 2; Ms Antonia Clissa, Submission 105, p. 2; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 139.

[34]      Submission 40, p. 2.

[35]      See, for example, Miss Lauren Burns, Submission 40, p. 2; Victorian Infertility Counsellors Group, Submission 68, p. 2.

[36]      Tonia, Submission 7, p. 2.

[37]      Submission 12, p. 1.

[38]      See, for example, SMC Australia, Submission 99, p. 12; Ms Kylie Dempsey, Submission 114, p. [3]; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 139.

[39]      See, for example, Submission 54 (name withheld), p. 4; Submission 89 (name withheld), p. 2; SMC Australia, Submission 99, p. 7.

[40]      See, for example, Ms Kimberley Springfield, Submission 52, pp [1-2]; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 138.

[41]      See, for example, Ms Kate Dobby, Submission 103, p. 1; Mrs Leonie Hewitt, DCSG, Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 7; Dr Damien Riggs, Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 37.

[42]      See, for example, Dr Damien Riggs, Submission 19, p. 1; Submission 29 (name withheld), p. [2]; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 137; Submission 157 (name withheld), p. 2.

[43]      See, for example, Submission 64 (name withheld), p. [1]; Victorian Infertility Counsellors Group, Submission 68, p. 2; Submission 108 (name withheld), p. [2].

[44]      Submission 122, p. 137.

[45]      See, for example, Submission 29 (name withheld), p. [2]; SMC Australia, Submission 99, p. 12.

[46]      See, for example, Dr Damien Riggs, Submission 19, p. 1; Submission 29 (name withheld), p. [2]; Submission 157 (name withheld), p. 2.

[47]      See, for example, Submission 64 (name withheld), p. [1]; Victorian Infertility Counsellors Group, Submission 68, p. 2; Submission 108 (name withheld), p. [2].

[48]      Dr Sonia Allan, Submission 30, p. 12; Mr Damian Adams, Submission 38, p. 8; Submission 97 (name withheld), p. [1].

[49]      Submission 127 (name withheld), p. 6.

[50]      Answer to questions on notice, received 8 November 2010, pp [6-7].

[51]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 44.

[52]      See, for example, Mr Damian Adams, Submission 38, p. [4]; Mrs Caroline and Mr Patrice Lorbach, Submission 76, p. 9; Ms Kate Dobby, Submission 103, p. 3; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 137.

[53]      Submission 76, p. 2.

[54]      See, for example, Mr Michael and Mrs Laureen Dempsey, Submission 27, p. [1]; Dr Sonia Allan, Submission 30, p. 17; Mrs Myfanwy Cummerford, Submission 63, p. [1]; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 137.

[55]      Submission 63, p. [1].

[56]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 8.

[57]      Submission 48, p. [4].

[58]      Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 7.

[59]      Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 13.

[60]      Submission 151, p. 7.

[61]      Submission 151, p. 8.

[62]      See, for example, Submission 89 (name withheld), p. [4]; Ms Kylie Dempsey, Submission 114, p. [4].

[63]      See, for example, Mr Adam Quinlivan, Submission 12, p. 1; Dr Sonia Allan, Submission 30, p. 20; Ms Romana Rossi, Submission 75, p. 3.

[64]      Submission 75, p. 3.

[65]      Submission 30, p. 20.

[66]      Submission 99, p. 7.

[67]      See, for example, Submission 4 (name withheld); Mr Michael and Mrs Laureen Dempsey, Submission 27, p. 2; Mr Damian Adams, Submission 38, p. [2].

[68]      Mr Michael and Mrs Laureen Dempsey, Submission 27, p. 2; Dr Sonia Allan, Submission 30, p. 12; Mr Damian Adams, Submission 38, p. [9].

[69]      Submission 93 (name withheld), p. 5.

[70]      Ms Fiona Hearne, SMC Australia, Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 50; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 138. The Donor Sibling Registry assists donor conceived individuals to contact others with whom they share genetic ties, including half-siblings and donors.

[71]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 47.

[72]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 47.

[73]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 11.

[74]      Submission 12, p. 1.

[75]      See, for example, DES Action Australia – NSW, Submission 18, pp 3-4; Dr Sonia Allan, Submission 30, p. 3; Mr Damian Adams, Submission 38, p. [2]; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 137.

[76]      Submission 30, p. 15.

[77]      Submission 68, pp. 6-7.

[78]      See, for example, Mr Damian Adams, Submission 38, p. [2]; TangledWebs, Submission 61, p. [2]; Miss Narelle Grech, Submission 107, p. 2.

[79]      Submission 61, p. [2].

[80]      Rainbow Families Council, Submission 73, p. 2; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 139.

[81]      DCSG, Submission 122, p. 71.

[82]      DCSG, Submission 122, p. 74.

[83]      Submission 9, p. 2.

[84]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 46.

[85]      Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, pp 19-20.

[86]      Generally, state and territory legislation has retrospectively removed anonymity for parents whose children were adopted. However, birth parents and adopted people may place vetoes on contact or the release of identifying information, dependent on provisions in relevant legislation. See Appendix 2.

[87]      Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, pp 19-20.

[88]      Miss Lauren Burns, Submission 40, p. 2.

[89]      VANISH, Submission 62, p. 3.

[90]      Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Adoptions Australia 2008-09, Child Welfare Series No. 48, February 2010, pp 66-67 and 68.

[91]      See, for example, Office of the Information Commissioner Queensland, Submission 20, p. 3; Canberra Fertility Centre, Submission 48, p. [7]; Fertility Society, Submission 106, p. [11].

[92]      Dr Sonia Allan, Submission 30, p. 16.

[93]      Submission 106, p. [11].

[94]      Submission 20, p. 3.

[95]      Submission 48, p. [7]. See, also, Office of the Information Commissioner (Queensland), Submission 20, p. 3.

[96]      Submission 160 (name withheld).

[97]      Submission 160 (name withheld), p. [1].

[98]      Submission 160 (name withheld), p. [1].

[99]      Submission 160 (name withheld).

[100]    Submission 160 (name withheld), p. [4].

[101]    Submission 126, p. [3].

[102]    See, for example, PILCH, Submission 125, p. 2; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 139.

[103]    Ms Marianne Tome, Victorian Infertility Counsellors Group, Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, pp 72-73.

[104]    Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 46.

[105]    PILCH, Submission 125, p. 7.

[106]    Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, p. 63.

[107]    Submission 106, p. [14].

[108]    Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 3.

[109]    Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 3.

[110]    See, for example, Mr Michael and Mrs Laureen Dempsey, Submission 27, pp [1], [2]; SMC Australia, Submission 99, p. 7.

[111]    See, for example, Victorian Infertility Counsellors Group, Submission 68, p. 2; Rainbow Families Council, Submission 73; Ms Elizabeth Hurrell, Submission 101, pp [3]-[4]; Submission 108 (name withheld), p. [2].

[112]    SMC Australia, Submission 99, p. 5.

[113]    See, for example, Mr Adam Quinlivan, Submission 12, p. 1; Ms Lynette Mason, Submission 24, pp 1-2; Mr Damian Adams, Submission 38, p. [4]; Fertility Society, Submission 106; Liberty Victoria, Submission 153, p. 4.

[114]    See, for example, Mr Damian Adams, Submission 38, p. [4]; Liberty Victoria, Submission 153, p. 4.

[115]    See, for example, the Fertility Society, Submission 106; Liberty Victoria, Submission 153, p. 4.

[116]    Fertility Society, Submission 106, p. [2].

[117]    Ms Lynette Mason, Submission 24; Fertility Society, Submission 106; Liberty Victoria, Submission 153, p. 4; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 138.

[118]    Submission 38, p. [4].

[119]    See, for example, Mr Adam Quinlivan, Submission 12, p. 1; Ms Kate Dobby, Submission 103, p. 1; see, also, UK DonorLink, UK Voluntary Information Exchange and Contact Register Following Donor Conception Pre 1991, http://www.ukdonorlink.org.uk/, accessed 31 August 2010. UK DonorLink is a voluntary contact register set up to enable people conceived through donated gametes, their donors and half-siblings to exchange information and, where desired, to contact each other.

[120]    DCSG, Submission 122, p. 138.

CHAPTER 4 - Payments for donors and provision of counselling services

[1]        Section 21 of the Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002.

[2]        Section 21 of the Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002.

[3]        Section 21 of the Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002.

[4]        Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2008 (Vic), Human Cloning for Reproduction and Other Prohibited Practices Act 2003 (NSW), Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2003 (SA), Human Reproductive Technology Act 1991 (WA), Research Involving Human Embryos and Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2003 (Qld), Human Cloning for Reproduction and Other Prohibited Practices Act 2003 (Tas), and Human Cloning and Embryo Research Act 2004 (ACT).

[5]        See, for example, Submission 39 (name withheld), p. [1]; Ms Sharon Somerville, Submission 50, p. 1.

[6]        See, for example, Canberra Fertility Centre, Submission 48, pp [2]-[3]; Ms Sharon Somerville, Submission 50, p. 1; Ms Elizabeth Marquardt, Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 27.

[7]        See, for example, Wesley Monash IVF, 'Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome', http://wesley.monashivf.edu.au/infertility-female.htm, accessed 29 November 2010.

[8]        See, for example, Wesley Monash IVF, 'Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome', http://wesley.monashivf.edu.au/infertility-female.htm, accessed 29 November 2010.

[9]        See, for example, Wesley Monash IVF, 'Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome', http://wesley.monashivf.edu.au/infertility-female.htm, accessed November 2010.

[10]      Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 18.

[11]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 27.

[12]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 27.

[13]      Monash IVF Fact Sheet, Donor Egg (Oocyte) Program, November 2006, http://www.monashivf.com/site/DefaultSite/filesystem/documents/donor_egg_program.pdf, accessed 29 November 2010, p. 2.

[14]      Monash IVF Fact Sheet, Donor Egg (Oocyte) Program, November 2006, http://www.monashivf.com/site/DefaultSite/filesystem/documents/donor_egg_program.pdf, accessed 29 November 2010, p. 2.

[15]      Monash IVF, Donor Sperm Program, 'Compensation for Reasonable Medical and Travel Expenses', http://www.monashivf.com/Services/Donor_Programs1/Donor_Sperm_Program.aspx, accessed 29 November 2010, p. 4.

[16]      Monash IVF, Donor Sperm Program, 'Compensation for Reasonable Medical and Travel Expenses', http://www.monashivf.com/Services/Donor_Programs1/Donor_Sperm_Program.aspx, accessed 29 November 2010, p. 4.

[17]      Monash IVF, Donor Sperm Program, 'Compensation for Reasonable Medical and Travel Expenses', http://www.monashivf.com/Services/Donor_Programs1/Donor_Sperm_Program.aspx, accessed 29 November 2010, p. 4. Gametes are quarantined because, like most human tissues, they may carry diseases. Sperm and fertilised eggs are held in cryo-storage for six months to be tested before being implanted or otherwise used.

[18]      Fertility First, Submission 104, pp 1-2, and How to Be a Good Sperm Donor, 'How much money is reimbursed?', http://donatedontwaste.com.au/about-fertility-first/, accessed 29 November 2010.

[19]      Fertility East, 'Become a sperm donor', http://www.fertilityeast.com.au/pdf/become-sperm-donor.pdf, accessed 29 November 2010.

[20]      Concept Fertility Centre, http://www.conceptfert.com.au/spermdonors.html, accessed 29 November 2010.

[21]      Concept Fertility Centre, http://www.conceptfert.com.au/eggdonors.html, accessed 29 November 2010.

[22]      IVF Australia, Egg Donation, http://www.ivf.com.au/ivf/upload/file/CLN-009_eggdonation_16DEC09.pdf, accessed 29 November 2010, p. 4.

[23]      See, for example, Submission 1 (name withheld), p. [3]; FamilyVoice Australia, Submission 17, p. 5; DCSG, Submission 122, pp 94-95.

[24]      See, for example, Foschia L, 'Proposal to fly men in from overseas to donate sperm', PM, ABC Radio, 9 July 2004, transcript, http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2004/s1150717.htm, accessed 29 November 2010, Hiscock, G, 'Sperm donors rush holiday offer', CNN International.Com, 19 December 2003, http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/auspac/12/18/australia.sperm, accessed 29 November 2010, and Murphy, C, 'Sperm and the quest for identity', BBC News, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3410351.stm, accessed 29 November 2010.

[25]      Hiscock, G, 'Sperm donors rush holiday offer', CNN International.Com, 19 December 2003, http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/auspac/12/18/australia.sperm, accessed 29 November 2010.

[26]      Foschia L, 'Proposal to fly men in from overseas to donate sperm', PM, ABC Radio, 9 July 2004, transcript, http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2004/s1150717.htm, accessed 29 November 2010.

[27]      See, for example, Mr Damian Adams, Submission 38, p. [3].

[28]      Rainbow Families Council, Submission 73, p. 2.

[29]      Ms Kylie Dempsey, Submission 114, p. [2].

[30]      Submission 19, p. 2.

[31]      Submission 19, p. 2.

[32]      See, for example, Mr Damian Adams, Submission 38, p. [4]; Mr Lyle Shelton, Australian Christian Lobby, Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 44; Mr Richard Egan, FamilyVoice Australia, Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 20.

[33]      Submission 64 (name withheld), p. [1].

[34]      Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 44.

[35]      Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 20.

[36]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 14.

[37]      See, for example, Submission 1 (name withheld), p. [4]; Canberra Fertility Centre, Submission 48, p. [3].

[38]      Submission 48, p. [3].

[39]      Submission 39 (name withheld), p. [1].

[40]      See, for example, FamilyVoice Australia, Submission 17, p. 4; Ms Elizabeth Hurrell, Submission 101, p. [3].

[41]      Fertility First, Submission 104, p. 4.

[42]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 27.

[43]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, pp 32 and 36.

[44]      See, for example, Victorian Infertility Counsellors Group, Submission 68, p. 2; Fertility First, Submission 104, p. 4.

[45]      See, for example, SMC Australia, Submission 99, p. 4; Fertility Society, Submission 106, p. [11]; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 139.

[46]      Submission 99, p. 4.

[47]      See, for example, DES Action Australia – NSW, Submission 18, p. [3]; Ms Lynette Mason, Submission 24, p. [2]; Submission 123 (name withheld), p. [1].

[48]      Ms Elizabeth Hurrell, Submission 101, p. [3].

[49]      Submission 120, p. 3.

[50]      Sections 13 and 18 of the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act 2008 (Vic) and subparagraph 22(7)(a) of the Human Reproductive Technology Act 1991 (WA), respectively.

[51]      Subparagraph 12(2)(b) of the Assisted Reproductive Technology Act 2007 (NSW); Regulation 8(2) of the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Regulations 2010 (SA); paragraph 9.3.1 of the NHMRC's Ethical Guidelines on the Use of Reproductive Technology in Clinical Practice and Research (2007).

[52]      Submission 106, p. [11].

[53]      Submission 106, p. [12].

[54]      Submission 106, p. [12].

[55]      DCSG, Submission 122, p. 77.

[56]      For example, Submission 89 (name withheld), p. 3; Submission 98 (name withheld), p. [2]; SMC Australia, Submission 99, p. 8.

[57]      See, for example, Rainbow Families, Submission 73, p. 3; Fertility Society, Submission 106, p. [11]; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 73.

[58]      See, for example, Ms Kate Bourne, Submission 31, p. 4; SMC Australia, Submission 99, p. 8; Ms Antonia Clissa, Submission 105, pp 2-3.

[59]      Submission 99, p. 8.

[60]      Submission 99, p. 8.

[61]      Submission 75, p. 4.

[62]      Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, pp 72-73.

[63]      Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, pp 72-73.

[64]      Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority, Time To Tell, http://www.varta.org.au/www/257/1003057/displayarticle/1003349.html, accessed 10 December 2010.

[65]      Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority, Time To Tell, http://www.varta.org.au/www/257/1003057/displayarticle/1003349.html, accessed 10 December 2010.

[66]      See, for example, Victorian Infertility Counsellors Group, Submission 68, p. 4; Ms Antonia Clissa, Submission 105, p. [2]; Fertility Society, Submission 106, p. 12.

[67]      See, for example, Dr Sonia Allan, Submission 30, p. 21; Ms Helen Kane, Submission 32, p. 3; Victorian Infertility Counsellors Group, Submission 68, pp 5-6.

[68]      See, for example, Victorian Infertility Counsellors Group, Submission 68, pp 5-6; Rainbow Families Council, Submission 73, p. 3; Fertility Society, Submission 106, p. 12.

[69]      Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, pp 72-73.

[70]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 31.

[71]      Rainbow Families Council, Submission 73, p. 3.

[72]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 40.

[73]      Rainbow Families Council, Submission 73, p. 1.

[74]      Submission 73, p. 3.

[75]      Submission 75, p. 4.

[76]      See, for example, Submission 54 (name withheld), p. 5; Victorian Infertility Counsellors Group, Submission 68, pp 5-6; SMC Australia, Submission 99, p.8.

[77]      Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, pp 72-73.

[78]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 42.

[79]      See, for example, Mr Damian Adams, Submission 38, p. [6]; Ms Romana Rossi, Submission 75, p. 5; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 77.

[80]      Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, pp 18-19.

[81]      Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, pp 76-77.

[82]      See, for example, Dr Damien Riggs, Submission 19, p. 2; Ms Helen Kane, Submission 32, p. 2; Victorian Infertility Counsellors Group, Submission 68, p. 2; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 138.

[83]      Submission 76, p. 7.

[84]      Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, pp 72-73.

[85]      Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, pp 72-73.

[86]      Tonia, Submission 7, pp 2-3.

[87]      Submission 93 (name withheld), p. 5.

[88]      Submission 68, p. 5.

[89]      Submission 73, p. 3.

[90]      See, for example, Ms Helen Kane, Submission 32, p. 2; Victorian Infertility Counsellors Group, Submission 68, pp 5-6; Rainbow Families Council, Submission 73, p. 3.

[91]      See, for example, Victorian Infertility Counsellors Group, Submission 68, pp 5-6; Rainbow Families Council, Submission 73, p. 3; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 139.

[92]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 46.

[93]      Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, p. 67.

[94]      See, for example, Submission 43 (name withheld); p. 2; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 139.

[95]      Submission 40, p. 2.

[96]      Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, pp 76-77.

[97]      Ms Kate Dobby, Submission 103, p. 3.

[98]      Submission 72 (name withheld), p. 2.

[99]      Dr Damien Riggs, Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 31.

CHAPTER 5 - Risk of consanguinity and limits on donations

[1]        Subsection 23(2) of Marriage Act 1961 (Cth).

[2]        Submission 30, p. 12; see, also, VARTA, 'Legal Consequences of being a donor', http://www.varta.org.au/legal-consequences-of-being-a-donor/w1/i1003431/, accessed 1 February 2011.

[3]        See, for example, DES Action Australia NSW, Submission 18, p. [3].

[4]        Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 2.

[5]        Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 23.

[6]        Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 16.

[7]        Submission 68, p. 6.

[8]        Submission 38, p. [7].

[9]        Submission 107, p. 3.

[10]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 23.

[11]      Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 16.

[12]      Submission 40, p. 4.

[13]      See, for example, Submission 1 (name withheld), p. 1; Mr Callum Lorbach, Submission 3; Submission 29 (name withheld), p. 2; Mrs Glenda and Mr Robert Davis, Submission 35.

[14]      Submission 40, p. 4. See also Miss Lauren Burns, Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, p. 4.

[15]      Paragraph 8.1, Human Reproductive Technology Directions (WA), Western Australian Government Gazette, 30 November 2004, p. 5434.

[16]      Subsection 27(1) of the Assisted Reproductive Technology Act 2007 (NSW).

[17]      Section 29 of the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act 2008 (Vic).

[18]      VARTA, 'Legal Consequences of being a donor', http://www.varta.org.au/legal-consequences-of-being-a-donor/w1/i1003431/, accessed 1 February 2011.

[19]      NHMRC Guideline 6.3.

[20]      NHMRC Guideline 6.3. In South Australia, there is a legislative requirement for fertility clinics to abide by the NHMRC Guidelines: paragraph 8(2)(a) of the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Regulations 2010 (SA).

[21]      See, for example, Submission 93 (name withheld), p. 5; SMC Australia, Submission 99, p. 10; Ms Kate Dobby, Submission 103, p. 4; Fertility First, Submission 104, p. 3.

[22]      SMC Australia, Submission 99, p. 4.

[23]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 37.

[24]      See, for example, Ms Karen Boyd, Submission 16, p. 1; Submission 93 (name withheld), p. 5; Ms Kate Dobby, Submission 103, p. 1.

[25]      Submission 99, p. 10.

[26]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 49.

[27]      Submission 99, p. 10.

[28]      See, for example, Ms Zoe Brillante, Submission 6, p. 1; Rainbow Families Council, Submission 73, p. 3; Fertility First, Submission 104, p. 2.

[29]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 37.

[30]      Fertility Society of Australia, Submission 109, p.13. See, also, SMC Australia, Submission 99, p. 10.

[31]      See, for example, Mr Michael and Mrs Laureen Dempsey, Submission 27, p. 2; Mrs Myfanwy Cummerford, Submission 63, p. [1]; Miss Narelle Grech, Submission 107, p. 6; Ms Kylie Dempsey, Submission 114, p. [3].

[32]      See, for example, the Canberra Fertility Centre, Submission 48, p. [6].

[33]      See, for example, Monash IVF, Submission 120, p. 5.

[34]      Mrs Leonie Hewitt and Ms Michelle Cefai, DCSG, Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 7, and Mrs Caroline Lorbach, DCSG, Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 17.

[35]      Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, p. 24.

[36]      Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 16.

[37]      Submission 48, p. [6].

[38]      Submission 72 (name withheld), p. [4].

[39]      Submission 120, p. 6.

[40]      See, for example, Repromed, Submission 49, p. 4; Fertility First, Submission 104, p. 2; Fertility Society of Australia, Submission 106, p. 13. Similarly, in her article, 'Prospective application of a five-step regulatory assessment model to a proposed federal sperm donor registry in Australia: Is it in the public interest?', Journal of Law and Medicine, February 2010, 17(4), pp 608-16, at p. 610, Ms Neroli Sawyer indicated that the various limits which exist in different jurisdictions in Australia regarding the use of sperm donors do not appear to be evidence-based with reference to the risk of consanguinity

[41]      See, for example, Ms Kimberley Springfield, Submission 52, p. [3]; Ms Louise Jamieson and International Donor Offspring Alliance, Submission 115, p. 4; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 110.

[42]      Submission 115, p. 4.

CHAPTER 6 - Rights of donor conceived individuals

[1]        See, for example, Submission 42 (name withheld); Submission 78 (name withheld), pp [1-2]; DCSG, Submission 122, p. 60.

[2]        See, for example, Andrew, Submission 10; Submission 22 (name withheld), p. 1.

[3]        Submission 107, p. 2.

[4]        NSW Department of Health, http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/hospitals/phc/pdf/volunteer_donor_registerart_a4.pdf, accessed 26 November 2010.

[5]        Victorian Parliament Law Reform Committee, Inquiry into access by donor-conceived people to information about donors, Interim Report, September 2010, p. xv.

[6]        Submission 30, p. 6.

[7]        Submission 30, p. 9. See also DCSG, Submission 122, p. 16.

[8]        Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, p. 21.

[9]        Submission 73, p. 2. See, also, Monash IVF, Submission 120, p. 2.

[10]      Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, p. 72.

[11]      Submission 42 (name withheld).

[12]      Submission 78 (name withheld), pp [1-2].

[13]      See, for example, Miss Lauren Burns, Submission 40, pp 3-4; Ms Kimberley Springfield, Submission 52, p. [1].

[14]      Miss Lauren Burns, Submission 40, pp 3-4.

[15]      Submission 30, p. 11.

[16]      Submission 122, p. 23. See also Mr Michael Linden, Submission 9, pp 3 and 5.

[17]      Submission 122, pp 126-128. See also Rainbow Families Council, Submission 73, p. 1.

[18]      In addition, Article 8.1 of the Convention states that signatories undertake to preserve a child's 'identity, including nationality, name, and family relations'. Article 8.2 states that where a child is illegally deprived of their identity, signatories shall work with a view to re-establishing that identity (Office of the United Nation High Commissioner for Human Rights website, 'Convention on the rights of the child', http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/crc.htm, accessed 30 June 2010).

[19]      Submission 30, p. 11, emphasis in original.

[20]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 3.

[21]      Submission 2, p. 2.

[22]      Submission 13.

[23]      Submission 158 (name withheld), pp 1 and 9.

[24]      See, for example, Submission 4 (name withheld); Submission 5 (name withheld); Submission 11 (name withheld), pp 1-2; DCSG, Submission 122, pp 32-38.

[25]      Submission 30, p. 12.

[26]      Mr Callum Lorbach, Submission 3, p. 1.

[27]      Ms Louise Jamieson and the International Donor Offspring Alliance, Submission 115, p. 2.

[28]      See, for example, Parenting SA, Donor Conception – telling your child, Parent Easy Guide 80, http://www.parenting.sa.gov.au/pegs/peg80.pdf, accessed 24 November 2010; ParentLink (ACT), Donor Conception – telling your child, http://www.parentlink.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/33584/Donor_conception-telling_your_child.pdf, accessed 24 November 2010; Reproductive Technology Council (WA), Talking to Children about Donor Conception, http://www.rtc.org.au/publications/docs/Talking_to_Children.pdf, accessed 24 November 2010.

[29]      Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, pp 12-13.

[30]      Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Adoptions Australia 2008-09, Child Welfare Series No. 48, February 2010, p. 1.

[31]      Adoption Act 1994 (WA), Adoption Act 1984 (Vic), Adoption Act 2000 (NSW), Adoption Act 1988 (SA), Adoption Act 1988 (Tas), Adoption of Children Act 1964 (QLD), Adoption of Children Act 1994 (NT) and Adoption Act 1993 (ACT).

[32]      Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Adoptions Australia 2008-09, Child Welfare Series No. 48, February 2010, pp 66-67 and 68.

[33]      For example, in Tasmania, Northern Territory and Queensland (where they are called 'objections').

[34]      Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Adoptions Australia 2008-09, Child Welfare Series No. 48, February 2010, p. 32. As at 30 June 2009, there are 8,633 contact and identifying information vetoes in place across Australia. Of all vetoes in place as at 30 June 2009, 55 per cent were lodged by adopted people, and 41 per cent were lodged by birth parents. However, in 2008-09 there were 3,607 applications for both identifying and non-identifying information.

[35]      Submission 115, p. [1]. See, also, DCSG, Submission 122, pp 22-31.

[36]      Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 22.

[37]      See, for example, Dr Sonia Allan, Submission 30; Miss Narelle Grech, Submission 107, p. 6.

[38]      Submission 30, p. 21.

[39]      Mrs Caroline Lorbach, DCSG, Committee Hansard, 2 November 2010, p. 10.

[40]      Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, pp 5-6.

[41]      See, for example, Mr Damian Adams, Submission 38, p. [6]; Ms Romana Rossi, Submission 75, p. [3]; DCSG, Submission 122; p. 39.

[42]      Submission 38, p. [6].

[43]      Submission 75, p. 3.

[44]      Submission 115, p. [1]. At the time of adoption, a new birth certificate is issued to the child bearing the name of his or her adoptive parent/s, and the child's new name, if it changes. However, once adopted children reach a certain age, generally 18 years, they are able to access their original birth certificate with their birth parent's details on it.

[45]      Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, p. 11.

[46]      Submission 63, p. [2].

[47]      Tonia, Submission 7, p. 6.

[48]      Ms Vanessa Ferguson, Submission 55, p. 4.

[49]      Tonia, Submission 7, p. 6.

[50]      Submission 30, p. 22.

[51]      Submission 127 (name withheld), p. 7.

[52]      ALRC, Submission 8, p. 2; ALRC and AHEC, Essentially Yours: The Protection of Human Genetic Information in Australia, pp 861-862.

[53]      Submission 125, p. 8.

[54]      Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 42.

[55]      Committee Hansard, 29 October 2010, p. 43.

[56]      Dr Nyaree Jacobson, Western Australia Department of Health, Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, p. 35.

[57]      See Appendix 1.

CHAPTER 7 - Committee view and recommendations

[1]        Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee report, Provisions of the Research Involving Embryos and Prohibition of Human Cloning Bill 2002, October 2002, pp 96-97 at para 4.150.

[2]        Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee report, Provisions of the Research Involving Embryos and Prohibition of Human Cloning Bill 2002, October 2002, pp 96-97 at para 4.150.

[3]        In this context, the committee notes that the Victorian Parliament's Law Reform Committee's Interim Report in relation to its Inquiry into access by donor-conceived people to information about donors stated that further consideration would be given to whether access to records in Victoria should be made retrospective, at p. xiii.

[4]        Donor Conception Support Group website, 'National inquiry into donor conception practice', http://www.dcsg.org.au/legislation/inquiry.html, accessed 30 June 2010.

[5]        See, for example, VARTA, Annual Report 2010, Appendix 1, p. 48, accessed at http://www.varta.org.au/annual-reports/w1/i1003573/ on 27 January 2011, and Ms Marianne Tome, Victorian Infertility Counsellors Group, Committee Hansard, 3 November 2010, pp 72-73.