STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator THORPE (Victoria—Independent VIC Whip) (13:57): Surprise, surprise! Labor and the coalition don't want to pass my bill banning shackling of people during childbirth when it's voted on this Thursday. As usual, they're handballing it to states and territories.

It's a joke. States and territories are racing to be as cruel as possible to people in prison. If Labor doesn't show leadership, states and territories will never change.

What part of rehabilitation is this? It only causes more harm. How many more people will have to go through this?

How many more babies will be put at risk? Governments love talking about 'do the crime' and 'do the time'. What crimes have these unborn babies committed?

Why are they subjected to danger and life-long trauma? Overwhelming evidence to the inquiry said this bill is urgent, state and territory policies have failed and Commonwealth action is necessary. Shackling during childbirth was described as barbaric, convict era, cruel and degrading.

Evidence was clear that the Commonwealth government has powers to stop it. This open letter, signed by thousands of people, calls on the government to pass this bill, and it's backed by the obstetricians and gynaecologists college, the nursing union, the midwives board and many, many others. Implementing this bill doesn't require any big overhaul or massive cost.

Labor, you have the opportunity to end a barbaric, inhumane, outdated practice. Senators in this chamber on Thursday, if you don't pass this bill, you are all voting for literal torture of unborn babies and their parents.