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Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation in Australia
FGM has become an issue in Australia as a result of migration. There is no documented evidence that FGM is practised in Australia; however substantial numbers of anecdotal accounts exist. Australia's Response to FGM As a signatory to a number of international conventions dealing with womens' and children's rights, the Australian Commonwealth Government in partnership with the states and territories has committed to a National Education Program on FGM (NEPFGM), which aims to prevent the occurrence of FGM in Australia through an emphasis on community education, information and support. |
The Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services funds the National Education Program on Female Genital Mutilation. It aims provide community development, education and health promotion, in the belief that this is the most effective way to eradicate FGM. Educational and preventative initiatives have also sprung from communities in Australia affected by FGM.
In addition, the Federal Government committed a contribution of $A158,000 to a campaign running in Burkina Faso which has the world's highest maternal mortality rates, aggravated by deaths from haemorrhage and obstructed births caused by genital mutilation.
The Law as it Stands
Specific legislation banning FGM has been enacted in all States and Territories bar Queensland and Western Australia, where legislation against FGM relies on the Criminal Code in relation to assault. In those states where legislation has been passed penalties of up to 7 years imprisonment apply to persons convicted of intentionally performing FGM, or for taking or arranging for a child (defined as a person under 18 years of age) out of a jurisdiction for the purpose of performing FGM. Exceptions are made in the case of medical procedures that have a 'genuine therapeutic purpose'.
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