FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

The Hon. S.G. WADE (14:34): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for the Status of Women a question relating to female genital mutilation.

Leave granted.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: The World Health Organisation estimates that between 100 million and 140 million girls and women worldwide are living with the consequences of female genital mutilation. WHO considers that women and girls in certain immigrant communities in North America and Europe are among the groups at risk. In South Australia the practice of female genital mutilation is a child protection matter under the Children's Protection Act and a criminal offence under the Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935.

On 23 September 2009 The Advertiser published an article entitled 'Child genital mutilation seen as illegal torture'. The article referred to a UniSA report which stated that, while some Families SA child abuse workers see FGM as wrong, they consider that we need to be very sensitive in how we deal with that issue. In response, Professor Freda Briggs is quoted as saying:

This attitude is unacceptable. This is an offence under Australian law and they should throw the book at them—there is no shade of grey in it.

Following this report, on 13 October last year—11 months ago—I asked the minister a question in relation to the government's position and its action on FGM. In response the minister undertook to come back with details of what the government was doing in relation to FGM. Eleven months later I understand that I have not received a response to my questions.

At the risk of repeating myself, I repeat the two questions I asked the minister last year. Will the government make an unequivocal statement that it will enforce the laws of this state against female genital mutilation? Secondly, what is the government doing to ensure that relevant cultural communities are aware that female genital mutilation is not legal in South Australia? To add to my questions I also ask the minister: how many mandatory notification reports have been received by Families SA for each of the last five financial years relating to female genital mutilation, and what proportion were acted upon and resolved?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for the City of Adelaide) (14:36): I thank the honourable member for his most important questions pertaining to the very serious matter of female genital mutilation. I believe I indicated at the time that this was an issue that involved other portfolio areas—particularly child protection, as well as health. Given the offence components, it also pertains to criminal acts.

I certainly regret that no response has been forthcoming. Clearly, it involves the coordination of information across a number of different agencies. It does not reflect the fact that there has been a great deal of concern and consideration, and that activity has been undertaken by this government; as I said, it is probably a reflection of the fact that it requires coordination amongst agencies. I will look into the matter and commit to bringing back a response.