STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator THORPE (Victoria—Independent VIC Whip) (13:54): Heather Calgaret was a proud Yamatji, Noongar, Wongi and Pitjantjatjara woman. She was a mother to four beautiful children whom she loved dearly. She was a rock of her family, always helping and caring for everyone, and described by her sister Suzzane as her 'soulmate' and 'other half'.

She was very proud of her culture and enjoyed painting and writing. In October 2019, while on remand, Heather gave birth to her baby while shackled to the hospital bed. In Victoria, shackling during childbirth is not supposed to happen unless there are exceptional circumstances, but Corrections Victoria have acknowledged that it happens anyway.

This is a dehumanising practice. It contributed to the compounding trauma endured by Heather during the birth of her baby and had a long-lasting impact. Just days later, Heather's baby was removed from her care.

In November 2021, Heather died in custody after being administered a high dose of buprenorphine, a drug used to treat opioid addiction. She had no history of opiate use. She was found in a critical condition by her sister, Suzzane.

She was 30 years old. My bill, currently before parliament, would ban shackling during childbirth. Heather should still be here with us today.

Her life was precious and her passing was preventable. This government must pass my bill to ensure that people like Heather no longer experience this state perpetrated violence.