Female Genital Mutilation

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:31): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before directing a question to the Minister for Police on the subject of female genital mutilation.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: Honourable members may recall that earlier this year I asked the minister some questions about female genital mutilation (FGM). My question for the minister is: is it the government's position that similar legislative protections which apply for FGM should also be applied to boys and intersex children?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:32): I thank the honourable member for her important question. In the context of the answers that I have previously provided to this place, I think the government's position around its view about this particular issue generally is well known. With respect to the specific question of the honourable member, I am more than happy to make sure a considered response is provided through the responsible minister who has been turning his attention to this issue for some time, that being, of course, the Attorney-General. I am more than happy to make sure the Attorney-General in the other place gets a response back accordingly.