Labor, Coalition set to reject ban on shackling during childbirth
Labor and the Coalition are set to oppose a Senate bill that would ban the shackling of women in custody while they give birth. The Guardian
The proposal is the Crimes Amendment (Prohibiting Shackling During Childbirth) Bill 2026. It was introduced into the Senate by Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe. A parliamentary listing dated 18 August 2026 attributes the bill to Thorpe and says it would amend the Crimes Act 1914 to prohibit restraining a person at any time during childbirth. Parliament of Australia
Thorpe has put forward a second measure alongside it. That bill is the Crimes Amendment (Prohibiting the Strip Searching of Children) Bill 2026, which would stop children being strip-searched. Parliament of Australia
The government says responsibility for the criminal justice system predominantly sits with state and territory governments. The Coalition says it understands the intent of the shackling bill but will not support its passage. The Guardian
Queensland Liberal Senator Paul Scarr criticised the major parties’ position and said he was deeply concerned by the Australia-wide practice.
Scarr said he would raise the issue with Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington. He also urged the prime minister to convene a meeting of national cabinet, the forum that brings together the prime minister with state and territory leaders, on the issue.
