On 3 December 2015, the Attorney-General for Australia, George Brandis announced a surrogacy inquiry and has written to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and legal affairs to undertake the surrogacy inquiry.
The surrogacy inquiry is an inquiry into the legal and social issues that relates to domestic and international surrogacy arrangements. In broad terms the surrogacy inquiry will focus on:
- The role and responsibilities of State and Territories to regulate surrogacy arrangements both domestically and abroad and to consider the differences between them;
- The role of health care professionals;
- Issues with regards to informed consent, financial payment and the rights and protection of all parties, including the children;
- Commonwealth laws and policies relating to passports and citizenship;
- The laws, policies and practices of other countries with respect to surrogacy arrangements with other countries.
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and legal affairs is to report by 30 June 2016.
Cominos Family Lawyers looks forward to the surrogacy inquiry findings.
Should you require any further information please contact us.