Media statement
For immediate release
Thursday, 2 August 2007

New Member’s Bill will create certainty for families

United Future today announces a new Member’s Bill that will allow the Courts to order DNA testing, to confirm or otherwise the parentage of a child in question. It is the Family Proceedings (Paternity Orders and Parentage Tests) Amendment Bill.

“This Bill will finally allow father and child the opportunity to know for sure if they are father and child or unrelated, in cases when parentage is in question,” says Judy Turner MP, who is sponsoring the bill.

“This is a case where the law has lagged behind technology. Currently the Family Court has no power to order a DNA test even if asked by the possible father – they can only ‘recommend’ the test be done. If the mother says no, for whatever reason, then the man and child are left in the dark as to whether they are in fact related.

“This bill enacts the recommendation of the Law Commission, and offers certainty to families – particularly the acute right of a child to know their true father and vice versa.

Mrs Turner wrote to the Minister for Courts, Hon Rick Barker last month inviting him to adopt her proposal in the Family Courts Matters Bill – an omnibus Bill.

“The Minister has told me that he has decided not to include my proposal in the Government Bill. That’s a real shame and I think the Government have missed a golden opportunity to clarify for many children who their real father is,” says Mrs Turner.

“I am pleased though, that the Government has indicated it agrees with the intent of my proposal, which is a good start for any Member’s Bill.

“My invitation to the Government to adopt this Bill remains open – it is an issue that deserves immediate attention and the Government can choose to make this happen, or not,” says Mrs Turner.

ENDS

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