{"id":"tas:act-1999-058","name":"Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1999","slug":"births-deaths-and-marriages-registration-act-1999","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"tas","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"58 of 1999","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":105951,"registerId":"tas-act-1999-058-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Part 1","sectionType":"part","heading":"Preliminary","content":"# Part 1 Preliminary","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Short title","content":"### 1 Short title\n\n> This Act may be cited as the [Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1999](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-058) .","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Commencement","content":"### 2 Commencement\n\n> > (1)  [Sections 1](#GS1@EN) , [2](#GS2@EN) and [62](#GS62@EN) commence on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent.\n> \n> > (2)  The remaining provisions of this Act commence on a day to be proclaimed.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Interpretation","content":"### 3 Interpretation\n\n> In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears –\n> \n> > ***adult*** means a person who is aged 18 years or older or, although under that age, is or has been married;\n> \n> > ***authorised celebrant*** means an authorised celebrant under the [Marriage Act 1961](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-058) of the Commonwealth, as amended;\n> \n> > ***birth*** means the expulsion or extraction of a child from its mother;\n> \n> > ***birth registration statement*** means the statement referred to in [section 13](#GS13@EN) ;\n> \n> > ***change*** of name includes an addition, omission or substitution;\n> \n> > ***child*** includes a stillborn child;\n> \n> > ***corresponding law*** means a law of another State that provides for the registration of births, deaths and marriages;\n> \n> > ***death*** does not include a stillbirth;\n> \n> > ***disposal*** of human remains means –\n> > \n> > > > (a) cremation of the remains; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) burial of the remains, including burial at sea; or\n> > > \n> > > > (c) placing the remains in a mausoleum or other permanent resting place; or\n> > > \n> > > > (d) placing the remains in the custody of an educational or scientific institution for the purpose of medical education or research; or\n> > > \n> > > > (e) removal of the remains from the State (but not if the remains have been cremated or are taken from the State by sea and buried at sea in the course of the voyage);\n> \n> [*\\[Section 3 Amended by No. 3 of 2010, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2010\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2010-07-01/act-2010-003#JS1@Ja8@GC1@Hpa@EN)\n> \n> > ***funeral director*** means a person who carries on the business of arranging for the disposal of human remains;\n> \n> > [*\\[Section 3 Amended by No. 7 of 2019, s. 13, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS13@Hpa@EN) ***gender*** – see [section 3A](#GS3A@EN) ;\n> \n> > [*\\[Section 3 Amended by No. 7 of 2019, s. 13, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS13@Hpa@EN) ***gender amendments day*** means the day on which [Part 4 of the](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2019-007#HP4@EN) [Justice and Related Legislation (Marriage and Gender Amendments) Act 2019](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2019-007) commences;\n> \n> > [*\\[Section 3 Amended by No. 7 of 2019, s. 13, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS13@Hpa@EN) ***gender declaration*** means a statutory declaration in which the declarant declares that the declarant identifies as being of the gender specified in the declaration and lives, or seeks to live, as a person of that gender;\n> \n> [*\\[Section 3 Amended by No. 3 of 2010, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2010\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2010-07-01/act-2010-003#JS1@Ja8@GC1@Hpb@EN)\n> \n> > [*\\[Section 3 Amended by No. 3 of 2010, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2010\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2010-07-01/act-2010-003#JS1@Ja8@GC1@Hpb@EN) ***midwife*** means a person registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (Tasmania) in the midwifery profession;\n> \n> > [*\\[Section 3 Amended by No. 7 of 2019, s. 13, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS13@Hpe@EN) ***previous registered gender***, in relation to a person, means a gender that was the registered gender in relation to the person before [section 28C(7)](#GS28C@Gs7@EN) applied in relation to the registered gender;\n> \n> > [*\\[Section 3 Amended by No. 7 of 2019, s. 13, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS13@Hpe@EN) ***previous registered sex***, in relation to a person, means a sex that was the registered sex in relation to the person before [section 28C(7)](#GS28C@Gs7@EN) applied in relation to the registered sex;\n> \n> > ***prohibited name*** means a name that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) is obscene or offensive; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) could not practicably be established by repute or usage –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) because it is too long; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) because it consists of or includes symbols without phonetic significance; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (iii) for some other reason; or\n> > > \n> > > > (c) includes or resembles an official title or rank; or\n> > > \n> > > > (d) is contrary to the public interest for some other reason;\n> \n> [*\\[Section 3 Amended by No. 59 of 2001, s. 5, Applied:01 Jan 2002\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-059#GS5@Hpa@EN) [*\\[Section 3 Amended by No. 7 of 2019, s. 13, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS13@Hpd@EN)\n> \n> > [*\\[Section 3 Amended by No. 7 of 2019, s. 13, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS13@Hpd@EN) ***recognition certificate*** means a certificate that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) is issued under a law of another State or a Territory that recognises that a person may have changed sex or gender; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) is issued in respect of a person who has changed sex or gender; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) states the sex or gender of that person as so changed;\n> \n> > ***Register*** means the Register referred to in [section 40](#GS40@EN) ;\n> \n> > [*\\[Section 3 Amended by No. 7 of 2019, s. 13, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS13@Hpc@EN) ***registered gender***, in relation to a person, means the registered gender in relation to the person that is registered under [section 28C(1)](#GS28C@Gs1@EN) and that has not ceased in accordance with [section 28C(7)](#GS28C@Gs7@EN) to be the registered gender in relation to the person;\n> \n> > [*\\[Section 3 Amended by No. 7 of 2019, s. 13, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS13@Hpc@EN) ***registered sex***, in relation to a person, means –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the sex that is registered under [section 16(3)](#GS16@Gs3@EN) or [(4)](#GS16@Gs4@EN) in relation to the person; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the sex of the person that was last registered under this Act in relation to the person before the gender amendments day –\n> > \n> > if that sex has not ceased in accordance with [section 28C(7)](#GS28C@Gs7@EN) to be the registered sex in relation to the person;\n> \n> > ***registering authority*** means an authority responsible under a corresponding law for the registration of births, deaths and marriages;\n> \n> > ***registrable event*** means a birth, change of name, death, marriage or adoption;\n> \n> > ***registrable information*** means information that must or may be included in the Register;\n> \n> > ***Registrar*** means the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages;\n> \n> > ***regulations*** means regulations made and in force under this Act;\n> \n> [*\\[Section 3 Amended by No. 59 of 2001, s. 5, Applied:01 Jan 2002\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-059#GS5@Hpb@EN) [*\\[Section 3 Amended by No. 7 of 2019, s. 13, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS13@Hpb@EN)\n> \n> > [*\\[Section 3 Amended by No. 7 of 2019, s. 13, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS13@Hpb@EN) ***sex characteristics*** means a person's physical, hormonal or genetic features relating to sex, including genitalia and other sexual and reproductive anatomy, chromosomes, genes, hormones, and secondary sexual characteristics;\n> \n> > ***State*** includes a Territory;\n> \n> > ***stillbirth*** means the birth of a stillborn child;\n> \n> > ***stillborn child*** means a child of at least 20 weeks' gestation or, if it cannot be reliably established whether the period of gestation is more or less than 20 weeks, with a body mass of at least 400 grams at birth, that exhibits no sign of respiration or heartbeat or other sign of life after birth.","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"3A","sectionType":"section","heading":"Meaning of, and designation of, gender","content":"### 3A Meaning of, and designation of, gender\n\n> [*\\[Section 3A Inserted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 14, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS14@EN)\n> \n> > (1)  In this Act –\n> > \n> > > ***gender*** means –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) male; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) female; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (c) indeterminate gender; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (d) non-binary; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (e) a word, or a phrase, that is used to indicate a person's perception of the person's self as being neither entirely male nor entirely female and that is prescribed; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (f) a word or phrase that is used to indicate a person's perception of the person's self as being neither entirely male nor entirely female.\n> \n> > (2)  For the purposes of the definition of *gender* in [subsection (1)](#GS3A@Gs1@EN)  –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a reference, in paragraph (a) of the definition, to \"male\" is to be taken to be a reference to the male gender; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a reference, in paragraph (b) of that definition, to \"female\" is to be taken to be a reference to the female gender.\n> \n> > (3)  Without limiting the grounds on which the Registrar may refuse to register a gender in relation to a person, the Registrar may refuse to register, as a gender in relation to a person, a word or phrase (other than a word or phrase specified in or under [paragraph (a)](#GS3A@Gs1@Hpa@EN) , [(b)](#GS3A@Gs1@Hpb@EN) , [(c)](#GS3A@Gs1@Hpc@EN) , [(d)](#GS3A@Gs1@Hpd@EN) or [(e)](#GS3A@Gs1@Hpc@EN) ) if the Registrar is of the opinion that the word or phrase is not within [paragraph (f)](#GS3A@Gs1@Hpf@EN) of the definition of *gender* in [subsection (1)](#GS3A@Gs1@EN) .","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"Part 2","sectionType":"part","heading":"Administration","content":"# Part 2 Administration","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"Division 1","sectionType":"division","heading":"The Registrar","content":"## Division 1 The Registrar","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Registrar","content":"### 4 Registrar\n\n> > (1)  [*\\[Section 4 Subsection (1) substituted by No. 86 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:01 May 2001\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2001-05-01/act-2000-086#JS1@Ja18@GC1@EN) Subject to and in accordance with the [State Service Act 2000](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2000-085) , the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages is to be appointed or employed for the purposes of this Act.\n> \n> > (2)  The Registrar is responsible, subject to the Minister's control and direction, for the administration of this Act.","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"section","heading":"Registrar's general functions","content":"### 5 Registrar's general functions\n\n> The Registrar's general functions are to –\n> \n> > > (a) establish and maintain the registers necessary for the purposes of this Act; and\n> > \n> > > (b) administer the registration system established by this Act and ensure that it operates efficiently, effectively and economically.","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"6","sectionType":"section","heading":"Registrar's staff","content":"### 6 Registrar's staff\n\n> > (1)  The Registrar's staff consists of any staff necessary for the proper administration of this Act.\n> \n> > (2)  [*\\[Section 6 Subsection (2) substituted by No. 86 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:01 May 2001\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2001-05-01/act-2000-086#JS1@Ja18@GC2@EN) The Registrar's staff are to be appointed or employed subject to and in accordance with the [State Service Act 2000](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2000-085) .","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"7","sectionType":"section","heading":"Delegation","content":"### 7 Delegation\n\n> The Registrar may delegate to any person any of the Registrar's powers or functions other than this power of delegation.","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"Division 2","sectionType":"division","heading":"Execution of documents","content":"## Division 2 Execution of documents","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"8","sectionType":"section","heading":"The Registrar's seal","content":"### 8 The Registrar's seal\n\n> The Registrar has a seal.","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"9","sectionType":"section","heading":"Execution of documents","content":"### 9 Execution of documents\n\n> > (1)  The Registrar may issue a certificate or other document under the Registrar's signature and seal or a facsimile of the Registrar's signature and seal produced by stamp, machine imprint or some other method authorised by regulation.\n> \n> > (2)  If a document produced before a court or an administrative authority or official is apparently under –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the Registrar's signature and seal; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a facsimile of the Registrar's signature and seal produced by stamp, machine imprint or some other method authorised by regulation –\n> > \n> > the court, authority or official must presume, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, that the document was properly issued under the Registrar's authority.\n> \n> > (3)  Judicial notice is to be taken of the seal.","sortOrder":13},{"sectionNumber":"Division 3","sectionType":"division","heading":"Reciprocal administrative arrangements","content":"## Division 3 Reciprocal administrative arrangements","sortOrder":14},{"sectionNumber":"10","sectionType":"section","heading":"Reciprocal administrative arrangements","content":"### 10 Reciprocal administrative arrangements\n\n> > (1)  The Minister may enter into an arrangement with the Minister responsible for the administration of a corresponding law providing for –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the exercise by the Registrar of powers and functions of the registering authority under the corresponding law; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the exercise by the registering authority under the corresponding law of powers and functions of the Registrar under this Act.\n> \n> > (2)  When an arrangement is in force under this section –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the Registrar may exercise, to the extent authorised by the arrangement, but subject to the conditions of the arrangement, the powers and functions of the registering authority under the corresponding law; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the registering authority under the corresponding law may exercise, to the extent authorised by the arrangement, but subject to the conditions of the arrangement, the powers and functions of the Registrar under this Act.\n> \n> > (3)  An arrangement under this section may –\n> > \n> > > > (a) establish a database in which information is recorded for the benefit of all the participants in the arrangement; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) provide for access to information contained in the database; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) provide for payments by or to participants in the arrangement for services provided under the arrangement.","sortOrder":15},{"sectionNumber":"Part 3","sectionType":"part","heading":"Registration of births","content":"# Part 3 Registration of births","sortOrder":16},{"sectionNumber":"11","sectionType":"section","heading":"Notification of births","content":"### 11 Notification of births\n\n> > (1)  When a child is born in the State, the responsible person must give notice of the birth to the Registrar.\n> \n> > (2)  Notice is to –\n> > \n> > > > (a) be in writing or in any other manner or form approved by the Registrar; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) include any particulars the Registrar requires.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 10 penalty units.\n> \n> > (3)  The notice must be given –\n> > \n> > > > (a) in the case of a live birth, within 21 days after birth; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) in the case of a stillbirth, within 48 hours after birth.\n> \n> > (4)  [*\\[Section 11 Subsection (4) amended by No. 3 of 2010, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2010\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2010-07-01/act-2010-003#JS1@Ja8@GC2@Hpa@EN) When notice of a stillbirth is given, the responsible person must also give the Registrar a medical practitioner's certificate in a form approved by the Registrar, certifying the cause of foetal death.\n> \n> > (5)  [*\\[Section 11 Subsection (5) amended by No. 3 of 2010, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2010\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2010-07-01/act-2010-003#JS1@Ja8@GC2@Hpb@EN) The certificate must be completed by the medical practitioner responsible for the professional care of the mother at the birth or a medical practitioner who examined the body of the stillborn child after the birth.\n> \n> > (6)  In this section,\n> > \n> > > ***responsible person*** means –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) in the case of a child born in a hospital or brought to a hospital within 24 hours after birth, the chief executive officer of the hospital; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) in any other case –\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > > (i) [*\\[Section 11 Subsection (6) amended by No. 3 of 2010, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2010\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2010-07-01/act-2010-003#JS1@Ja8@GC2@Hpc@EN) the medical practitioner or midwife responsible for the professional care of the mother at the birth; or\n> > > > > > \n> > > > > > > (ii) [*\\[Section 11 Subsection (6) amended by No. 3 of 2010, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2010\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2010-07-01/act-2010-003#JS1@Ja8@GC2@Hpd@EN) if no medical practitioner or midwife was in attendance at the birth, any other person in attendance at the birth.","sortOrder":18},{"sectionNumber":"12","sectionType":"section","heading":"Cases in which registration of birth is required or authorised","content":"### 12 Cases in which registration of birth is required or authorised\n\n> > (1)  When a child is born in the State, the birth must be registered under this Act.\n> \n> > (2)  If a court, whether of this or any other State or the Commonwealth, directs the registration of a birth, the birth must be registered under this Act.\n> \n> > (3)  If a child is born in an aircraft during a flight or on a vessel during a voyage to a place of disembarkation in the State, the birth may be registered under this Act.\n> \n> > (4)  If a child is born outside the Commonwealth, but the child is to become a resident of the State, the birth may be registered under this Act.\n> \n> > (5)  The Registrar must not register a birth under [subsection (3)](#GS12@Gs3@EN) or [(4)](#GS12@Gs4@EN) if the birth is registered under a corresponding law.","sortOrder":20},{"sectionNumber":"13","sectionType":"section","heading":"How to have the birth of a child registered","content":"### 13 How to have the birth of a child registered\n\n> A person has the birth of a child registered under this Act by lodging a birth registration statement in a manner and form approved by the Registrar.","sortOrder":21},{"sectionNumber":"14","sectionType":"section","heading":"Responsibility to have birth registered","content":"### 14 Responsibility to have birth registered\n\n> > (1)  The parents of a child are jointly responsible for having the child's birth registered under this Act (and must both sign the birth registration statement) but the Registrar may accept a birth registration statement from one of the parents if satisfied that it is not practicable to obtain the signatures of both parents on the birth registration statement.\n> \n> > (2)  If a child is a foundling, the person who has custody of the child is responsible for having the child's birth registered.\n> \n> > (3)  The Registrar may accept a birth registration statement from a person who is not responsible for having the child's birth registered if satisfied that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the person lodging the statement has knowledge of the relevant facts; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the child's parents are unable or unlikely to lodge a birth registration statement.","sortOrder":22},{"sectionNumber":"15","sectionType":"section","heading":"Obligation to have birth registered","content":"### 15 Obligation to have birth registered\n\n> > (1)  [*\\[Section 15 Subsection (1) substituted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 15, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS15@EN) A person responsible for having the birth of a child registered must ensure that a birth registration statement is lodged with the Registrar –\n> > \n> > > > (a) within 60 days after the date of the birth; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) in the case of a live birth where variations of sex characteristics do not allow for an easy assignment of sex, within 120 days of birth.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 10 penalty units.\n> \n> > (2)  The Registrar must accept a birth registration statement even though it is lodged after the period of 60 days.\n> \n> > (3)  The Registrar, at any time before registering a birth, may request that further information be provided to support the birth registration statement.","sortOrder":23},{"sectionNumber":"16","sectionType":"section","heading":"Registration","content":"### 16 Registration\n\n> > (1)  The Registrar registers a birth by making an entry about the birth in the Register.\n> \n> > (2)  However, if the particulars available to the Registrar are incomplete, the Registrar may register a birth on the basis of those incomplete particulars.\n> \n> > (3)  [*\\[Section 16 Subsection (3) inserted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 16, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS16@EN) The Registrar, in registering the birth of a person, is to register the sex of the person as being either male or female.\n> \n> > (4)  [*\\[Section 16 Subsection (4) inserted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 16, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS16@EN) The Registrar may not change from male to female, or from female to male, the registered sex in relation to a person, except if it is necessary to correct an error made before or at the time the person's sex was first registered in relation to the person.\n> \n> > (5)  [*\\[Section 16 Subsection (5) inserted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 16, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS16@EN) The Registrar may only register the sex of a person under [subsection (3)](#GS16@Gs3@EN) or [(4)](#GS16@Gs4@EN) and must not register the sex of a person as any sex other than male or female.\n> \n> > (6)  [*\\[Section 16 Subsection (6) inserted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 16, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS16@EN) Nothing in [subsection (3)](#GS16@Gs3@EN) , [(4)](#GS16@Gs4@EN) or [(5)](#GS16@Gs5@EN) is to be taken –\n> > \n> > > > (a) to prevent a gender being registered under [section 28C(1)](#GS28C@Gs1@EN) in relation to a person; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) to prevent a registered sex in relation to a person ceasing, in accordance with [section 28C(7)](#GS28C@Gs7@EN) , to be the registered sex in relation to the person; or\n> > > \n> > > > (c) to invalidate the registration of a previous registered sex that occurred before the gender amendments day.","sortOrder":24},{"sectionNumber":"17","sectionType":"section","heading":"Registration of parentage details","content":"### 17 Registration of parentage details\n\n> > (1)  The Registrar must not include information about the identity of any of a child's parents in the Register unless –\n> > \n> > > > (a) [*\\[Section 17 Subsection (1) amended by No. 7 of 2019, s. 17, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS17@EN) the parents of the child make a joint application for the inclusion of registrable information about that identity; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) one parent of the child makes an application for the inclusion of registrable information about that identity and the other parent cannot join in the application –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) because he or she is dead; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) because he or she cannot be found; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (iii) for some other reason; or\n> > > \n> > > > (c) one parent of the child makes an application for the inclusion of registrable information about that identity and the Registrar is satisfied that the other parent does not dispute the correctness of that information; or\n> > > \n> > > > (d) any court having jurisdiction orders the inclusion of registrable information about that identity in the Register; or\n> > > \n> > > > (e) any court having jurisdiction makes a finding that a particular person is a parent of a child; or\n> > > \n> > > > (f) the Registrar is entitled under any law, including a law of another State or the Commonwealth, to make a presumption as to the identity of the child’s parent.\n> \n> > (2)  The Registrar may include information about the identity of a child’s parent in the Register if –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the Registrar is not prohibited by [subsection (1)](#GS17@Gs1@EN) from doing so; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) despite [subsection (1)](#GS17@Gs1@EN) , both the parents are unable to give registrable information about the identity of a child’s parent or parents or are unavailable and another person can provide information to the Registrar’s satisfaction as to the identity of the child’s parent or parents; or\n> > > \n> > > > (c) despite [subsection (1)](#GS17@Gs1@EN) , one parent has provided the birth registration statement and the registrable information relates only to the identity of that parent.","sortOrder":25},{"sectionNumber":"18","sectionType":"section","heading":"Addition of details after registration of birth","content":"### 18 Addition of details after registration of birth\n\n> > (1)  A person may apply to the Registrar for the inclusion in the Register of additional registrable information about a child's birth.\n> \n> > (2)  An application to the Registrar for the inclusion of registrable information in the Register –\n> > \n> > > > (a) must be made in writing; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) must include the information required by the Registrar; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) must, if the Registrar requires verification of the information contained in the application, be accompanied by a statutory declaration verifying the information contained in the application and other evidence the Registrar may require.","sortOrder":26},{"sectionNumber":"19","sectionType":"section","heading":"Court may order registration of birth","content":"### 19 Court may order registration of birth\n\n> > (1)  A magistrate, on application by an interested person or on his or her own initiative, may order –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the registration of a birth; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the inclusion of registrable information about a birth or a child's parents in the Register.\n> \n> > (2)  If a court, including a court of another State or the Commonwealth, finds that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a birth is not registered as required under this Act or a corresponding law; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the registrable information contained in an entry about a birth in the Register under this Act or a corresponding law is incomplete or incorrect –\n> > \n> > the court may direct registration of the birth or the inclusion or correction of registrable information in the Register under this Act or the corresponding law.","sortOrder":28},{"sectionNumber":"Division 4","sectionType":"division","heading":"Child's name","content":"## Division 4 Child's name","sortOrder":29},{"sectionNumber":"20","sectionType":"section","heading":"Name of child","content":"### 20 Name of child\n\n> > (1)  Subject to this section, the birth registration statement must state the name of the child.\n> \n> > (2)  The name is a matter of choice for the person or persons lodging the statement, but the Registrar may assign a name to a child if –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the name stated in the birth registration statement is a prohibited name; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the birth registration statement is lodged by both parents of the child and they satisfy the Registrar that they are unable to agree on the child's name.","sortOrder":30},{"sectionNumber":"21","sectionType":"section","heading":"Dispute about child's name","content":"### 21 Dispute about child's name\n\n> > (1)  If there is a dispute between parents about a child's name, either parent may apply to a magistrate for a resolution of the dispute.\n> \n> > (2)  On an application under [subsection (1)](#GS21@Gs1@EN) , the magistrate may –\n> > \n> > > > (a) resolve the dispute about the child's name as the magistrate considers appropriate; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) order the Registrar to register the child's name in a form specified in the order.","sortOrder":31},{"sectionNumber":"Part 4","sectionType":"part","heading":"Change of name","content":"# Part 4 Change of name","sortOrder":32},{"sectionNumber":"22","sectionType":"section","heading":"Change of name by registration","content":"### 22 Change of name by registration\n\n> A person's name may be changed by registration of the change under this Part.","sortOrder":33},{"sectionNumber":"23","sectionType":"section","heading":"Application to register change of adult's name","content":"### 23 Application to register change of adult's name\n\n> [*\\[Section 23 Amended by No. 7 of 2019, s. 18, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS18@EN) A person who has attained the age of 16 years –\n> \n> > > (a) who is domiciled or ordinarily resident in the State; or\n> > \n> > > (b) whose birth is registered in the State –\n> \n> may apply to the Registrar, in a form approved by the Registrar, for registration of a change of the person's name.","sortOrder":34},{"sectionNumber":"24","sectionType":"section","heading":"Application to register change of child's name","content":"### 24 Application to register change of child's name\n\n> > (1)  [*\\[Section 24 Subsection (1) amended by No. 7 of 2019, s. 19, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS19@Hpc@EN) The parents of a child who has not attained the age of 16 years –\n> > \n> > > > (a) who is domiciled or ordinarily resident in the State; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) whose birth is registered in the State –\n> > \n> > may apply to the Registrar, in a form approved by the Registrar, for registration of a change of the child's name.\n> \n> > (2)  [*\\[Section 24 Subsection (2) amended by No. 7 of 2019, s. 19, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS19@Hpb@EN) An application for registration of a change of a child's name may be made by one parent under [subsection (1)](#GS24@Gs1@EN) if –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the applicant is the sole parent named in the registration of the child's birth under this Act or any other law; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) there is no other surviving parent of the child; or\n> > > \n> > > > (c) a magistrate approves the proposed change of name.\n> \n> > (3)  [*\\[Section 24 Subsection (3) amended by No. 7 of 2019, s. 19, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS19@Hpa@EN) [*\\[Section 24 Subsection (3) substituted by No. 5 of 2023, s. 7, Applied:13 Jun 2023\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2023-06-13/act-2023-005#GS7@EN) A magistrate may approve, on application by a child's parent, a proposed change of name for the child under [subsection (1)](#GS24@Gs1@EN) if the magistrate is satisfied –\n> > \n> > > > (a) that the proposed change of name for the child is consistent with the will and preference of the child; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) that the child is unable to understand the meaning and implications of the proposed change of name and that the proposed change of name is in the best interests of the child.\n> \n> > (4)  If the parents of a child are dead, cannot be found, or for some other reason cannot exercise their parental responsibilities in respect of the child, the child's guardian may apply for registration of a change of the child's name.","sortOrder":35},{"sectionNumber":"25","sectionType":"section","heading":"Child's consent to change of name","content":"### 25 Child's consent to change of name\n\n> A change of a name of a child of more than 12 years of age must not be registered unless –\n> \n> > > (a) the child consents to the change of name; or\n> > \n> > > (b) the child is unable to understand the meaning and implications of the change of name.","sortOrder":36},{"sectionNumber":"26","sectionType":"section","heading":"Registration of change of name","content":"### 26 Registration of change of name\n\n> > (1)  Before registering a change of name under this Part, the Registrar may require the applicant to provide evidence to establish to the Registrar's satisfaction –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the identity and age of the person whose name is to be changed; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) that the change of name is not sought for a fraudulent or other improper purpose; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) if the person whose name is to be changed is a child aged 12 years or more, that the child consents to the change of name or is unable to understand the meaning and implications of the change of name.\n> \n> > (2)  If the Registrar is satisfied that the name of a person whose birth is registered in the State has been changed under another law or by order of a court, the change of name may be registered under this Act.\n> \n> > (3)  The Registrar may refuse to register a change of name if, as a result of the change, the name would become a prohibited name.","sortOrder":37},{"sectionNumber":"27","sectionType":"section","heading":"Entries to be made in Register","content":"### 27 Entries to be made in Register\n\n> > (1)  The Registrar registers a change of name by making an entry about the change of name in the Register.\n> \n> > (2)  If the applicant for registration of the change of name asks the Registrar to arrange for noting the change of name in the particulars of the person's birth, and the person's birth is registered under this Act or a corresponding law, the Registrar must –\n> > \n> > > > (a) if the birth is registered under this Act, note the change of name in the entry relating to the birth; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) if the birth is registered under a corresponding law, notify the relevant registering authority of the change of name.\n> \n> > (3)  [*\\[Section 27 Subsection (3) omitted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 20, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS20@EN) .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .","sortOrder":38},{"sectionNumber":"28","sectionType":"section","heading":"Change of name by repute or usage","content":"### 28 Change of name by repute or usage\n\n> This Part does not prevent a change of name by repute or usage.","sortOrder":39},{"sectionNumber":"Part 4A","sectionType":"part","heading":"Gender Identity","content":"# Part 4A Gender Identity\n\n[*\\[Part 4A Substituted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 21, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS21@EN)","sortOrder":40},{"sectionNumber":"28A","sectionType":"section","heading":"Registration of gender identity","content":"### 28A Registration of gender identity\n\n> [*\\[Section 28A Inserted by No. 59 of 2001, s. 6, Applied:01 Jan 2002\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-059#GS6@EN) [*\\[Section 28A Substituted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 21, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS21@EN)\n> \n> > (1)  A person who has attained the age of 16 years and whose birth is registered in this State may apply to the Registrar to have a gender, specified in the application, registered in relation to the person.\n> \n> > (2)  An application under [subsection (1)](#GS28A@Gs1@EN) by a person to have a gender registered in relation to the person –\n> > \n> > > > (a) is to be in the approved form; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) is to be accompanied by a gender declaration made by the person; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) is to be accompanied by any other document or information that the Registrar reasonably requires, other than a medical certificate, or other medical document, in relation to the sex, sexual characteristics or gender of the person.\n> \n> > (3)  The parents, or guardians, of a person who has not attained the age of 16 years and whose birth is registered in this State may apply to the Registrar to have a gender, specified in the application, registered in relation to the person.\n> \n> > (4)  One of the parents, or a guardian, of a person who has not attained the age of 16 years and whose birth is registered in this State may apply to the Registrar to have a gender, specified in the application, registered in relation to the person, if –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the applicant is the sole parent named in the registration under this Act of the person's birth; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the guardian is the sole guardian of the person; or\n> > > \n> > > > (c) there is no other surviving parent of the person; or\n> > > \n> > > > (d) the registration of the gender in relation to the person is approved by a magistrate under [section 28B(2)(a)](#GS28B@Gs2@Hpa@EN) .\n> \n> > (5)  An application under [subsection (3)](#GS28A@Gs3@EN) or [(4)](#GS28A@Gs4@EN) to have a gender registered in relation to a person is to be –\n> > \n> > > > (a) in the approved form; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) accompanied by –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) if the person is able to make a statutory declaration – a gender declaration made by the person; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) if the person is not able to make a statutory declaration but is able to express the person's will and preference – a statement from each of the applicants stating that the applicant believes on reasonable grounds that the registration of the gender in relation to the person is consistent with the will and preference of the person; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) accompanied by any other document or information that the Registrar reasonably requires, other than a medical certificate, or other medical document, in relation to the sex, sexual characteristics or gender of the person.\n> \n> > (6)  An application under [subsection (1)](#GS28A@Gs1@EN) , [(3)](#GS28A@Gs3@EN) or [(4)](#GS28A@Gs4@EN) to have a gender registered in relation to a person who has not attained the age of 18 years may be accompanied by evidence that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the person has undertaken counselling as to –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) whether or not the application ought to be made; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) the implications of the registration of the gender in relation to the person; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the counselling was provided by a person, chosen by the applicant, who the applicant considers has suitable qualifications, training or experience to provide such counselling.\n> \n> > (7)  An application must not be made under this section in relation to a person within 12 months after a gender has been registered in relation to the person.","sortOrder":41},{"sectionNumber":"28B","sectionType":"section","heading":"Approval by magistrate of registration of gender","content":"### 28B Approval by magistrate of registration of gender\n\n> [*\\[Section 28B Inserted by No. 59 of 2001, s. 6, Applied:01 Jan 2002\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-059#GS6@EN) [*\\[Section 28B Amended by No. 3 of 2010, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2010\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2010-07-01/act-2010-003#JS1@Ja8@GC3@EN) [*\\[Section 28B Substituted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 21, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS21@EN)\n> \n> > (1)  A parent, or guardian, of a person who has not attained the age of 16 years may apply to a magistrate to approve the registration of a gender, specified in the application, in relation to the person.\n> \n> > (2)  A magistrate to whom an application is made under [subsection (1)](#GS28B@Gs1@EN) to approve the registration of a gender, specified in the application, in relation to a person may –\n> > \n> > > > (a) approve the registration of the gender in relation to the person; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) refuse to approve the registration of the gender in relation to the person.\n> \n> > (3)  A magistrate may only approve the registration of a gender in relation to a person if the magistrate –\n> > \n> > > > (a) is satisfied that the registration of the gender in relation to the person is consistent with the will and preference of the person; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) is satisfied that the person is unable to understand the meaning and implications of the registration of the gender in relation to the person.","sortOrder":42},{"sectionNumber":"28C","sectionType":"section","heading":"Registration of gender","content":"### 28C Registration of gender\n\n> [*\\[Section 28C Inserted by No. 59 of 2001, s. 6, Applied:01 Jan 2002\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-059#GS6@EN) [*\\[Section 28C Substituted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 21, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS21@EN)\n> \n> > (1)  The Registrar, after receiving an application made under [section 28A(1)](#GS28A@Gs1@EN) , [(3)](#GS28A@Gs3@EN) or [(4)](#GS28A@Gs4@EN) for a gender to be registered in relation to a person –\n> > \n> > > > (a) must –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) register the gender as the registered gender in relation to the person by making an entry in the Register specifying the gender to be the registered gender in relation to the person; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) make any other changes to the Register that are necessary to indicate that each previous registered sex, and each previous registered gender, of the person is no longer the registered sex or registered gender in relation to the person; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) must refuse to register the gender as the registered gender in relation to the person.\n> \n> > (2)  The Registrar may only register under [subsection (1)](#GS28B@Gs1@EN) a gender as the registered gender in relation to a person in accordance with an application made under [section 28A(3)](#GS28A@Gs3@EN) or [(4)](#GS28A@Gs4@EN) if the Registrar is satisfied that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the gender to be registered in relation to the person is consistent with the will and preference of the person; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the person is unable to understand the meaning and implications of the registration of the gender in relation to the person.\n> \n> > (3)  The Registrar may, before determining under [subsection (1)](#GS28C@Gs1@EN) an application made under [section 28A(1)](#GS28A@Gs1@EN) , [(3)](#GS28A@Gs3@EN) or [(4)](#GS28A@Gs4@EN) , require a person who made the application to provide to the Registrar the further documents or information that the Registrar reasonably requires, other than a medical certificate, or other medical document, that relates to the sex, sexual characteristics or gender of the person to whom the application relates.\n> \n> > (4)  Despite [subsection (3)](#GS28C@Gs3@EN) , the Registrar may, before determining under [subsection (1)](#GS28C@Gs1@EN) an application made under [section 28A(1)](#GS28A@Gs1@EN) , [(3)](#GS28A@Gs3@EN) or [(4)](#GS28A@Gs4@EN) in relation to a person, require the applicant to provide to the Registrar appropriate evidence of counselling of the person, if –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the person has not attained the age of 18 years; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the application is not accompanied by evidence under [section 28A(6)](#GS28A@Gs6@EN) of counselling being provided by a person who the Registrar considers is a person with suitable qualifications, training or experience to provide such counselling.\n> \n> > (5)  For the purposes of [subsection (4)](#GS28C@Gs4@EN) , appropriate evidence of counselling of the person is evidence that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the person has undertaken counselling as to –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) whether or not the application to register a gender ought to be made; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) the implications of the registration of the gender in relation to the person; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the counselling was provided by a person, agreed to by the Registrar and the applicant, who the Registrar considers has suitable qualifications, training or experience to provide such counselling.\n> \n> > (6)  If the Registrar determines under [subsection (1)](#GS28C@Gs1@EN) an application made under [section 28A(1)](#GS28A@Gs1@EN) , [(3)](#GS28A@Gs3@EN) or [(4)](#GS28A@Gs4@EN) by refusing to register a gender as the registered gender in relation to a person –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the Registrar must record the Registrar's reasons for the refusal; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the Registrar must provide, to the person who made the application, the Registrar's reasons for the refusal; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) the person who made the application may make an application under [section 53](#GS53@EN) in relation to the decision.\n> \n> > (7)  If a gender is registered as the registered gender in relation to a person under [subsection (1)](#GS28C@Gs1@EN)  –\n> > \n> > > > (a) any registered sex that was previously registered in relation to the person ceases to be the registered sex in relation to the person; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) any registered gender that was previously registered in relation to the person ceases to be the registered gender in relation to the person.","sortOrder":43},{"sectionNumber":"28D","sectionType":"section","heading":"References to sex and gender","content":"### 28D References to sex and gender\n\n> [*\\[Section 28D Inserted by No. 59 of 2001, s. 6, Applied:01 Jan 2002\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-059#GS6@EN) [*\\[Section 28D Substituted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 21, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS21@EN)\n> \n> > (1)  If there is a registered gender in relation to a person, the person is, for the purposes of, but subject to, any law in force in this State, a person of that gender.\n> \n> > (2)  Subject to [subsection (3)](#GS28D@Gs3@EN) , a reference to a person's sex in any law in force in this State is taken to be, in relation to a person whose birth is registered in this State, a reference to –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the registered sex, if any, in relation to the person; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the registered gender, if any, in relation to the person.\n> \n> > (3)  In any law in force in this State –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a reference to the pregnancy of a female, female person or woman includes a reference to the pregnancy of a person of another gender; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a reference to the termination, or attempted termination, of a pregnancy of a female, female person or woman includes a reference to the termination, or attempted termination, of a pregnancy of a person of another gender; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) a reference to the fertilisation of a human egg outside of the body of a woman does not include the fertilisation of a human egg inside of the body of a person of another gender who has a female reproductive tract; and\n> > > \n> > > > (d) a reference to the mother of a child, or a child of a female or a woman, includes a reference to a person of another gender who carried the child in the person's female reproductive tract, or who gave birth to a child, except –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) if the person is to be taken by the operation of the [Surrogacy Act 2012](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2012-024) or another law to have ceased to be such a mother; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) if the person is to be taken by the operation of the [Surrogacy Act 2012](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2012-024) or another law to have ceased to be the child of such a mother; and\n> > > \n> > > > (e) an assumption as to the ability of a person to procreate as a female or male is to be determined irrespective of the registered gender of the person.\n> \n> > (4)  Despite any other provision of an Act –\n> > \n> > > > (a) if a person in respect of whom there is a registered gender requests that a search of the person, that is to be conducted, be conducted by a male or female, a search of the person is not to be taken to be invalid, unauthorised or unlawful by reason only that the search was, in accordance with the request, conducted by a male or female; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) if a police officer asks a person in respect of whom a search is to be conducted whether the person wishes to have the search be conducted by a male or female, a search of the person is not to be taken to be invalid, unauthorised or unlawful by reason only that the search was, in accordance with the request, conducted by a male or female.\n> \n> > (5)  The registration of the registered gender in relation to a person under [section 28C(1)](#GS28C@Gs1@EN) does not affect any relationship of that person arising by consanguinity or by operation of law.\n> \n> > (6)  A person who is entitled as a beneficiary –\n> > \n> > > > (a) under a will; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) under a trust; or\n> > > \n> > > > (c) otherwise by operation of law –\n> > \n> > does not, except as otherwise provided under the will or trust or by the law conferring the entitlement, forfeit any right or entitlement by reason only of the fact that a registered gender in relation to the person has been registered under [section 28C(1)](#GS28C@Gs1@EN) .\n> \n> > (7)  [Subsection (6)](#GS28D@Gs6@EN) does not operate so as to confer any right or entitlement that would not exist apart from that subsection.","sortOrder":44},{"sectionNumber":"28E","sectionType":"section","heading":"Recognition of certificates issued outside State","content":"### 28E Recognition of certificates issued outside State\n\n> [*\\[Section 28E Inserted by No. 59 of 2001, s. 6, Applied:01 Jan 2002\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-059#GS6@EN) [*\\[Section 28E Substituted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 21, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS21@EN) A person in respect of whom there is a recognition certificate in force is taken to be, for the purposes of, but subject to, any law in force in this State, a person of the sex, or gender, as the case may be, stated in the recognition certificate.","sortOrder":45},{"sectionNumber":"28F.","sectionType":"section","heading":null,"content":"### 28F.\n\n[*\\[Section 28F Inserted by No. 59 of 2001, s. 6, Applied:01 Jan 2002\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-059#GS6@EN) [*\\[Section 28F Repealed by No. 7 of 2019, s. 21, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS21@EN)","sortOrder":46},{"sectionNumber":"28G.","sectionType":"section","heading":null,"content":"### 28G.\n\n[*\\[Section 28G Inserted by No. 59 of 2001, s. 6, Applied:01 Jan 2002\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-059#GS6@EN) [*\\[Section 28G Repealed by No. 7 of 2019, s. 21, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS21@EN)","sortOrder":47},{"sectionNumber":"28H.","sectionType":"section","heading":null,"content":"### 28H.\n\n[*\\[Section 28H Inserted by No. 59 of 2001, s. 6, Applied:01 Jan 2002\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-059#GS6@EN) [*\\[Section 28H Repealed by No. 7 of 2019, s. 21, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS21@EN)","sortOrder":48},{"sectionNumber":"28J.","sectionType":"section","heading":null,"content":"### 28J.\n\n[*\\[Section 28J Inserted by No. 59 of 2001, s. 6, Applied:01 Jan 2002\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-01-01/act-2001-059#GS6@EN) [*\\[Section 28J Repealed by No. 7 of 2019, s. 21, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS21@EN)","sortOrder":49},{"sectionNumber":"Part 5","sectionType":"part","heading":"Registration of marriages","content":"# Part 5 Registration of marriages","sortOrder":50},{"sectionNumber":"29","sectionType":"section","heading":"Cases in which registration of marriage is required","content":"### 29 Cases in which registration of marriage is required\n\n> If a marriage is solemnised in the State, the marriage must be registered under this Act.","sortOrder":51},{"sectionNumber":"30","sectionType":"section","heading":"How to have marriage registered","content":"### 30 How to have marriage registered\n\n> A person may have a marriage registered by lodging with the Registrar a certificate of the marriage under the [Marriage Act 1961](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-058) of the Commonwealth or, if the marriage was solemnised before the commencement of that Act, the evidence of the marriage required by the Registrar.","sortOrder":52},{"sectionNumber":"31","sectionType":"section","heading":"Registration of marriage","content":"### 31 Registration of marriage\n\n> A marriage may be registered by –\n> \n> > > (a) including the marriage certificate as part of the Register; or\n> > \n> > > (b) including particulars of the marriage in the Register.","sortOrder":53},{"sectionNumber":"Part 6","sectionType":"part","heading":"Registration of deaths","content":"# Part 6 Registration of deaths","sortOrder":54},{"sectionNumber":"32","sectionType":"section","heading":"Deaths to be registered under this Act","content":"### 32 Deaths to be registered under this Act\n\n> > (1)  If a person dies in the State, the death must be registered under this Act.\n> \n> > (2)  If a court or coroner, whether of this or any other State or the Commonwealth, directs the registration of a death, the death must be registered under this Act.\n> \n> > (3)  If a person dies in an aircraft during a flight or on a vessel during a voyage to a place of disembarkation in the State, the death may be registered under this Act.\n> \n> > (4)  If a person who is domiciled or ordinarily resident in the State dies outside the Commonwealth, or a person dies outside the Commonwealth leaving property in the State, the death may be registered under this Act.\n> \n> > (5)  The Registrar is not obliged to register a death under [subsections (3)](#GS32@Gs3@EN) and [(4)](#GS32@Gs4@EN) if the death is registered under a corresponding law.\n> \n> > (6)  If a child is stillborn, the child's death is not to be registered under this Part.","sortOrder":56},{"sectionNumber":"33","sectionType":"section","heading":"Court may order registration of death","content":"### 33 Court may order registration of death\n\n> > (1)  A magistrate, on application by an interested person or on his or her own initiative, may order –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the registration of a death; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the inclusion of registrable information about a death in the Register.\n> \n> > (2)  If a court, including a court of another State or the Commonwealth, finds that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the death of a person is not registered as required under this Act or a corresponding law; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the registrable information contained in an entry about a death in the Register under this Act or a corresponding law is incomplete or incorrect –\n> > \n> > the court may direct registration of the death or the inclusion or correction of registrable information in the Register under this Act or the corresponding law.","sortOrder":57},{"sectionNumber":"34","sectionType":"section","heading":"Circumstances in which death not to be registered","content":"### 34 Circumstances in which death not to be registered\n\n> > (1)  The Registrar must not register a death unless the Registrar –\n> > \n> > > > (a) [*\\[Section 34 Subsection (1) amended by No. 3 of 2010, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2010\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2010-07-01/act-2010-003#JS1@Ja8@GC4@EN) has been given notice by a medical practitioner under [section 35(1)](#GS35@Gs1@EN) in relation to the death of the person; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) has been given notice of the death in the form of a certificate issued by a coroner under [section 32 of the](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1995-073#GS32@EN) [Coroners Act 1995](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1995-073) that authorises the disposal of the remains of the deceased person; or\n> > > \n> > > > (c) has received a notice under [section 28 of the](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1995-073#GS28@EN) [Coroners Act 1995](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1995-073) containing the particulars needed to effect or complete registration of the death; or\n> > > \n> > > > (d) has been given notice in the form of a document issued, made or given in relation to the death under a corresponding law, being a document which the Registrar is satisfied is equivalent to a notice or certificate referred to in [paragraph (a)](#GS34@Gs1@Hpa@EN) , [(b)](#GS34@Gs1@Hpb@EN) or [(c)](#GS34@Gs1@Hpc@EN) .\n> \n> > (2)  Despite [subsection (1)](#GS34@Gs1@EN) , the Registrar must register the death if –\n> > \n> > > > (a) registration of the death is ordered by a court; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the Registrar is of the opinion that, having regard to the circumstances of the case, it is proper that the death should be registered without any notice, certificate or order referred to in this section.","sortOrder":58},{"sectionNumber":"35","sectionType":"section","heading":"Notification of death by medical practitioner","content":"### 35 Notification of death by medical practitioner\n\n> > (1)  [*\\[Section 35 Subsection (1) amended by No. 3 of 2010, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2010\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2010-07-01/act-2010-003#JS1@Ja8@GC5@Hpa@EN) A medical practitioner who was responsible for a person's medical care immediately before death, or who examines the body of a deceased person after death, must, within 48 hours after the death, notify the Registrar of the death and of the cause of death in a form approved by the Registrar.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 10 penalty units.\n> \n> > (2)  [*\\[Section 35 Subsection (2) amended by No. 3 of 2010, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2010\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2010-07-01/act-2010-003#JS1@Ja8@GC5@Hpb@EN) A medical practitioner need not give notice under this section if –\n> > \n> > > > (a) [*\\[Section 35 Subsection (2) amended by No. 3 of 2010, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2010\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2010-07-01/act-2010-003#JS1@Ja8@GC5@Hpc@EN) another medical practitioner has given the required notice; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a coroner or a police officer is required to be notified of the death under the [Coroners Act 1995](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1995-073) .\n> \n> > (3)  [*\\[Section 35 Subsection (3) amended by No. 3 of 2010, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2010\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2010-07-01/act-2010-003#JS1@Ja8@GC5@Hpd@EN) When notice of a death is given, the medical practitioner must also give a certificate in a form approved by the Registrar, certifying the cause of death, to –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the Registrar; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the funeral director or other person who will be arranging for the disposal of the human remains.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 10 penalty units.\n> \n> > (4)  Notice provided to the Registrar under this section is to be provided free of charge.","sortOrder":60},{"sectionNumber":"36","sectionType":"section","heading":"Notification by coroner","content":"### 36 Notification by coroner\n\n> > (1)  If a coroner is notified of a death under the [Coroners Act 1995](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1995-073) , the coroner must inform the Registrar as soon as practicable after receiving the notification.\n> \n> > (2)  If a coroner authorises the disposal of human remains, or makes a finding about the cause of a death, the coroner must give a copy of the disposal authorisation or the finding to the Registrar.\n> \n> > (3)  The Registrar may register a death even though the death is subject to an inquest or other coronial inquiry and a finding has not been made about the cause of death.\n> \n> > (4)  A death certificate issued before a coronial inquiry into the cause of death is completed must be endorsed with the words: \"Incomplete registration – Cause of death subject to coronial inquiry\".","sortOrder":61},{"sectionNumber":"37","sectionType":"section","heading":"Notification by funeral director","content":"### 37 Notification by funeral director\n\n> > (1)  A funeral director or other person who arranges for the disposal of human remains must, within 7 days after disposal of the remains, give the Registrar a written statement of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the name and last residential address of the deceased; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) if the death was reported to a coroner, a statement of that fact; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) the place and manner of disposal; and\n> > > \n> > > > (d) any other information required by the Registrar.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 10 penalty units.\n> \n> > (2)  If human remains, other than cremated remains, are removed from the State, the funeral director or other person who arranges for the removal of the remains from the State must, within 28 days after the remains are disposed of outside the State, give the Registrar a written statement of where and how the remains were disposed of, and any other information required by the Registrar.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 10 penalty units.\n> \n> > (3)  If human remains have not been disposed of within 30 days after the date of death, the funeral director or other person who has custody of the remains must give the Registrar a written statement of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the name and last residential address of the deceased; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) if the death was reported to a coroner, a statement of that fact; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) any other information required by the Registrar.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 10 penalty units.","sortOrder":62},{"sectionNumber":"38","sectionType":"section","heading":"Registration of death","content":"### 38 Registration of death\n\n> > (1)  The Registrar registers a death by making an entry about the death in the Register.\n> \n> > (2)  However, if the particulars available to the Registrar are incomplete the Registrar may register a death on the basis of those incomplete particulars.","sortOrder":64},{"sectionNumber":"39","sectionType":"section","heading":"Registration of death on war service","content":"### 39 Registration of death on war service\n\n> > (1)  For the purposes of this section, a person is taken to be on war service if the person is engaged on service outside this State –\n> > \n> > > > (a) in the naval, military or air services of the Commonwealth, or of the Sovereign, during any period when a state of war exists between the Commonwealth and any other country; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) in any work in connection with such war.\n> \n> > (2)  On the application of any person and on production of a certificate in the form approved by the Registrar purporting to be signed by the officer in charge of the base records of the relevant branch of the Defence Forces, certifying that any person named in the certificate has died while on war service, the Registrar may register the death of that person, even though the death may have occurred more than 12 months before the registration.","sortOrder":65},{"sectionNumber":"Part 7","sectionType":"part","heading":"The Register","content":"# Part 7 The Register","sortOrder":66},{"sectionNumber":"40","sectionType":"section","heading":"The Register","content":"### 40 The Register\n\n> > (1)  The Registrar must maintain a register or registers of registrable events.\n> \n> > (2)  The Register –\n> > \n> > > > (a) must contain the particulars of each registrable event required under this Act, or another law, to be included in the Register; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) may contain further information if the Registrar considers its inclusion appropriate.\n> \n> > (3)  The Register may be wholly or partly in the form of a computer database, in documentary form, or in another form the Registrar considers appropriate.\n> \n> > (4)  The Registrar must maintain the indexes to the Register that are necessary to make the information contained in the Register reasonably accessible.","sortOrder":68},{"sectionNumber":"41","sectionType":"section","heading":"Registrar's powers of inquiry","content":"### 41 Registrar's powers of inquiry\n\n> > (1)  The Registrar may conduct an inquiry to find out –\n> > \n> > > > (a) whether a registrable event has happened; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) particulars of a registrable event; or\n> > > \n> > > > (c) whether particulars of a particular registrable event have been correctly recorded in the Register.\n> \n> > (2)  The Registrar may, by notice given to a person who may be able to provide information relevant to an inquiry under this section, require the person to answer specified questions or to provide other information within a time and in a way specified in the notice.\n> \n> > (3)  A person must not fail, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a notice under [subsection (2)](#GS41@Gs2@EN) .\n> > \n> > Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 10 penalty units.","sortOrder":70},{"sectionNumber":"42","sectionType":"section","heading":"Registrar may correct Register","content":"### 42 Registrar may correct Register\n\n> > (1)  The Registrar may correct the Register –\n> > \n> > > > (a) to reflect a finding made on inquiry under Division 2; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) to bring the particulars contained in an entry about a registrable event into conformity with the most reliable information available to the Registrar of the registrable event.\n> \n> > (2)  The Registrar must, if required by a court, correct the Register.\n> \n> > (3)  The Registrar corrects the Register by adding or cancelling an entry in the Register or by adding, altering or deleting particulars contained in an entry.","sortOrder":72},{"sectionNumber":"43","sectionType":"section","heading":"Access to Register","content":"### 43 Access to Register\n\n> > (1)  The Registrar may, on any conditions the Registrar considers appropriate –\n> > \n> > > > (a) allow a person or organisation that has an adequate reason for wanting access to the Register, access to the Register; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) provide a person or organisation that has an adequate reason for wanting information from the Register, with information extracted from the Register.\n> \n> > (2)  In deciding whether an applicant has an adequate reason for wanting access to the Register, or information extracted from the Register, the Registrar must have regard to –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the nature of the applicant's interest; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the sensitivity of the information; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) the use to be made of the information; and\n> > > \n> > > > (d) other relevant factors.\n> \n> > (3)  In deciding the conditions on which access to the Register, or information extracted from the Register, is to be given under this section, the Registrar must, as far as practicable, protect the persons to whom the entries in the Register relate from unjustified intrusion on their privacy.","sortOrder":74},{"sectionNumber":"44","sectionType":"section","heading":"Search of Register","content":"### 44 Search of Register\n\n> > (1)  The Registrar may, on application, search the Register for an entry about a particular registrable event.\n> \n> > (2)  The applicant must state the reason for the applicant's interest in the subject matter of the search.\n> \n> > (3)  The Registrar may reject the application if the applicant does not have an adequate reason for wanting the information to which the application relates.\n> \n> > (4)  In deciding whether an applicant has an adequate reason for wanting information, the Registrar must have regard to –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the relationship, if any, between the applicant and the person to whom the information relates; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the age of the entry; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) the contents of the entry; and\n> > > \n> > > > (d) any other relevant factors.","sortOrder":75},{"sectionNumber":"45","sectionType":"section","heading":"Protection of privacy","content":"### 45 Protection of privacy\n\n> In providing information extracted from the Register, the Registrar must, as far as practicable, protect the persons to whom the entries in the Register relate from unjustified intrusion on their privacy.","sortOrder":76},{"sectionNumber":"46","sectionType":"section","heading":"Issue of certificate","content":"### 46 Issue of certificate\n\n> > (1)  On completing a search of the Register, the Registrar may issue a certificate –\n> > \n> > > > (a) certifying particulars contained in an entry; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) certifying that no entry was located in the Register about the relevant registrable event.\n> \n> > (2)  A certificate under [subsection (1)(a)](#GS46@Gs1@Hpa@EN) is admissible in legal proceedings as evidence of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the entry to which the certificate relates; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the facts recorded in the entry.\n> \n> > (3)  [*\\[Section 46 Subsection (3) inserted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 22, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS22@EN) Subject to [subsection (7)](#GS46@Gs7@EN) , information about the sex, or gender, of a person may only be included on a birth certificate if –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the information is requested by a person who has attained the age of 16 years and who is the person to whom the certificate relates; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) if the person to whom the certificate relates has not attained the age of 16 years – if the information is requested by a parent or guardian of the person; or\n> > > \n> > > > (c) if the information is requested by an applicant who is the child of the person to whom the certificate relates, or a member of a class of prescribed persons, and if the Registrar is satisfied that –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) there is a valid reason for the child or person, respectively, to have access to the information; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) the person to whom the birth certificate relates is unable to consent to the disclosure of the information due to death or incapacity; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (iii) there are unlikely to be negative consequences to the person to whom the certificate relates.\n> \n> > (4)  [*\\[Section 46 Subsection (4) inserted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 22, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS22@EN) An applicant for a birth certificate in relation to a person must, if there is a registered sex in relation to the person –\n> > \n> > > > (a) request the Registrar not to include on the birth certificate any reference to sex or gender; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) request the Registrar to include on the birth certificate the registered sex in relation to the person, without a notation as to each previous registered sex in relation to the person; or\n> > > \n> > > > (c) request the Registrar to include on the birth certificate the registered sex in relation to the person, with a notation as to each previous registered sex in relation to the person.\n> \n> > (5)  [*\\[Section 46 Subsection (5) inserted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 22, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS22@EN) An applicant for a birth certificate in relation to a person must, if there is a registered gender in relation to the person –\n> > \n> > > > (a) request the Registrar not to include on the birth certificate any reference to the sex or gender of the person; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) request the Registrar to include on the birth certificate the registered gender in relation to the person, without a notation as to any other sex or gender in relation to the person; or\n> > > \n> > > > (c) request the Registrar to include on the birth certificate the registered gender in relation to the person, with a notation as to each previous registered sex, and each previous registered gender, in relation to the person.\n> \n> > (6)  [*\\[Section 46 Subsection (6) inserted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 22, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS22@EN) If an application is made to the Registrar for a birth certificate in relation to a person and the applicant –\n> > \n> > > > (a) has made a request under [subsection (4)(a)](#GS46@Gs4@Hpa@EN) or [(5)(a)](#GS46@Gs5@HpaEN) , the Registrar is not to include on the birth certificate any reference to sex or gender; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) has made a request under [subsection (4)(b)](#GS46@Gs4@HpbEN) or [(5)(b)](#GS46@Gs5@Hpb@EN) , the Registrar is to include on the birth certificate the registered sex or registered gender in relation to the person, without a notation as to any other sex or gender; or\n> > > \n> > > > (c) has made a request under [subsection (4)(c)](#GS46@Gs4@Hpc@EN) or [(5)(c)](#GS46@Gs5@Hpc@EN) , the Registrar is to include on the birth certificate the registered sex or registered gender in relation to the person, with a notation as to each previous registered sex, and each previous registered gender, in relation to the person.\n> \n> > (7)  [*\\[Section 46 Subsection (7) inserted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 22, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS22@EN) The Registrar must ensure that, on a birth certificate that is issued, in relation to the birth of a person, in accordance with a request under [subsection (4)(b)](#GS46@Gs4@Hpb@EN) or [(c)](#GS46@Gs4@Hpc@EN) or [subsection (5)(b)](#GS46@Gs5@Hpb@EN) or [(c)](#GS46@Gs5@Hpc@EN)  –\n> > \n> > > > (a) any denotation of the current registered sex or registered gender of the person by a word or phrase is made without any reference to sex and with a denotation that the word or phrase relates to gender; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) any denotation of the previous registered sex, or previous registered gender, of the person by a word or phrase is made without any reference to sex and with a denotation that the word or phrase relates to the previous registered gender of the person.\n> \n> > (8)  [*\\[Section 46 Subsection (8) inserted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 22, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS22@EN) If a change of name is registered under [Part 4](#HP4@EN) in relation to a person, a birth certificate issued in relation to the person is to –\n> > \n> > > > (a) show the name so registered without any notation or indication that there was another name previously registered in relation to the person; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) if a request is made to the Registrar under [subsection (9)](#GS46@Gs9@EN) in relation to the person and the Registrar is not prevented under [subsection (10)](#GS46@Gs10@EN) from complying with the request, show the name so registered with a notation or indication as to each other name that was registered in relation to the person before the change of name was registered.\n> \n> > (9)  [*\\[Section 46 Subsection (9) inserted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 22, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS22@EN) An applicant for a birth certificate in relation to a person whose change of name is registered under [Part 4](#HP4@EN) may request the Registrar to issue a birth certificate in relation to the person with a notation or indication as to each other name that was registered in relation to the person before the change of name was registered.\n> \n> > (10)  [*\\[Section 46 Subsection (10) inserted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 22, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS22@EN) If the person making a request under [subsection (9)](#GS46@Gs9@EN) in relation to an application for a birth certificate in relation to a person is not the person to whom the birth certificate relates, the Registrar must not comply with the request unless the applicant is the child of the person to whom the certificate relates, or a member of a class of prescribed persons, and the Registrar is satisfied that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) there is a valid reason for the child or person, respectively, to have access to the information; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the person to whom the birth certificate relates is unable to consent to the disclosure of the information due to death or incapacity; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) there are unlikely to be negative consequences to the person to whom the certificate relates.","sortOrder":77},{"sectionNumber":"47","sectionType":"section","heading":"Access policies","content":"### 47 Access policies\n\n> > (1)  The Registrar must maintain a written statement of the policies on which access to information contained in the Register is to be given or denied under this Division.\n> \n> > (2)  The Registrar must give a copy of the statement, on request, to any person.","sortOrder":78},{"sectionNumber":"48","sectionType":"section","heading":"Fees","content":"### 48 Fees\n\n> > (1)  The regulations may prescribe fees, or a basis for calculating fees, for –\n> > \n> > > > (a) access to the Register; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a search of the Register; or\n> > > \n> > > > (c) the issue of a certificate following a search of the Register; or\n> > > \n> > > > (d) other services provided by the Registrar.\n> \n> > (2)  The regulations may allow for fees to be fixed by negotiation between the Registrar and the person who asks for the relevant services.","sortOrder":79},{"sectionNumber":"49","sectionType":"section","heading":"Power to remit fees","content":"### 49 Power to remit fees\n\n> The Registrar may, in appropriate cases, remit the whole or part of a fee under this Act.","sortOrder":80},{"sectionNumber":"Division 5","sectionType":"division","heading":"Additional information and services","content":"## Division 5 Additional information and services","sortOrder":81},{"sectionNumber":"50","sectionType":"section","heading":"Registrar may collect other information","content":"### 50 Registrar may collect other information\n\n> > (1)  Despite anything to the contrary in this Act, the Registrar may maintain records of information, other than registrable information relating to registrable events.\n> \n> > (2)  Records maintained under this section must be kept separately from the Register.\n> \n> > (3)  The Registrar may include information in the records maintained under this section at the request of a person interested in the registrable event to which it relates or on the Registrar's own motion.\n> \n> > (4)  [Section 43(3)](#GS43@Gs3@EN) and [section 45](#GS45@EN) apply to records maintained under this section as if they were part of the Register.","sortOrder":82},{"sectionNumber":"51","sectionType":"section","heading":"Additional services","content":"### 51 Additional services\n\n> > (1)  The Registrar may enter into an arrangement for the provision of additional services in connection with the provision of services relating to a registrable event, including, but not limited to –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the provision of information in the form of a decorative certificate or other document; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the provision of information from records maintained under [section 50](#GS50@EN) relating to the registrable event.\n> \n> > (1A)  [*\\[Section 51 Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 23, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS23@EN) Despite anything contrary in the Act, the Registrar may provide information about the sex or gender registered in relation to a person –\n> > \n> > > > (a) in respect of a living person, to a person eligible to make an application under [section 44](#GS44@EN) ; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) in respect of a deceased person born at least 100 years earlier.\n> \n> > (2)  The Registrar may enter into an arrangement for the provision of information from records maintained under [section 50](#GS50@EN) or the Register, including historical or genealogical information.\n> \n> > (3)  If the Registrar provides a service or an additional service under this section, the Registrar may make a charge for the service determined by the Registrar, in his or her absolute discretion, which does not necessarily bear a relation to the cost of providing the service.\n> \n> > (4)  In providing a service or an additional service, the Registrar must comply with [section 43(3)](#GS43@Gs3@EN) and [section 45](#GS45@EN) .","sortOrder":83},{"sectionNumber":"52","sectionType":"section","heading":"Access to adoption information","content":"### 52 Access to adoption information\n\n> In relation to access to adoption information, this Act is subject to the [Adoption Act 1988](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1988-041) and to the extent of any inconsistency with this Act, that Act prevails.","sortOrder":84},{"sectionNumber":"Part 8","sectionType":"part","heading":"General power of review","content":"# Part 8 General power of review","sortOrder":85},{"sectionNumber":"53","sectionType":"section","heading":"Review","content":"### 53 Review\n\n> > (1)  [*\\[Section 53 Subsection (1) amended by No. 7 of 2025, s. 35, Applied:01 Jul 2025\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2025-07-01/act-2025-007#GS35@EN) [*\\[Section 53 Subsection (1) amended by No. 73 of 2001, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2002\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-07-01/act-2001-073#JS1@Ja9@GC1@Hpa@EN) A person who is dissatisfied with a decision of the Registrar made in the performance or purported performance of functions under this Act may apply to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for a review of the decision.\n> \n> > (2)  [*\\[Section 53 Subsection (2) omitted by No. 73 of 2001, Sched. 1, Applied:01 Jul 2002\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2002-07-01/act-2001-073#JS1@Ja9@GC1@Hpb@EN) .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .","sortOrder":86},{"sectionNumber":"Part 9","sectionType":"part","heading":"Miscellaneous","content":"# Part 9 Miscellaneous","sortOrder":87},{"sectionNumber":"54","sectionType":"section","heading":"False representation","content":"### 54 False representation\n\n> > (1)  [*\\[Section 54 Renumbered by No. 7 of 2019, s. 24, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS24@Hpb@EN) A person must not make a false or misleading representation in an application or document under this Act, knowing it to be false or misleading.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 10 penalty units.\n> \n> > (2)  [*\\[Section 54 Subsection (2) inserted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 24, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS24@Hpb@EN) A person must not, with intention to deceive, produce to another person a birth certificate, a copy of a birth certificate, or a copy of an extract from the Register, issued for the person, that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) if there is a registered gender in relation to the person –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) shows a previous registered sex, or previous registered gender, in relation to the person; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) does not also show the registered gender in relation to the person; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) if a change of name of the person has been registered –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) shows a previous registered name in relation to the person; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) does not also show the last registered name in relation to the person.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 100 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years, or both.","sortOrder":88},{"sectionNumber":"55","sectionType":"section","heading":"Unauthorised access to or interference with Register","content":"### 55 Unauthorised access to or interference with Register\n\n> A person must not, without the authority of the Registrar or other lawful authority –\n> \n> > > (a) obtain access to the Register or information contained in the Register; or\n> > \n> > > (b) make, alter or delete an entry in the Register; or\n> > \n> > > (c) interfere with the Register in any other way.\n> \n> Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 100 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years, or both.","sortOrder":89},{"sectionNumber":"56","sectionType":"section","heading":"Falsification of certificate","content":"### 56 Falsification of certificate\n\n> > (1)  A person must not forge the Registrar's signature or seal.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 100 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years, or both.\n> \n> > (2)  A person must not forge or falsify a certificate or other document under this Act.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 100 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years, or both.\n> \n> > (3)  The Registrar may impound –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a document which the Registrar has reason to believe bears a forged impression of the Registrar's signature or seal; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a certificate or other document purporting to be a certificate or other document under this Act which the Registrar has reason to believe has been forged or falsified; or\n> > > \n> > > > (c) a certificate under this Act about a registrable event if the entry in the Register about the event has been cancelled or corrected since the issue of the certificate.","sortOrder":90},{"sectionNumber":"57","sectionType":"section","heading":"Immunity from liability","content":"### 57 Immunity from liability\n\n> > (1)  No liability attaches to the Registrar for an honest act or omission in the performance or purported performance of functions under this Act.\n> \n> > (2)  A liability that would, but for [subsection (1)](#GS57@Gs1@EN) , attach to the Registrar attaches instead to the Crown.","sortOrder":91},{"sectionNumber":"58","sectionType":"section","heading":"Registrar to retain control over records","content":"### 58 Registrar to retain control over records\n\n> Despite the [Archives Act 1983](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1983-076) , the Registrar is to retain control over access to any information supplied or records maintained under this Act.","sortOrder":92},{"sectionNumber":"59","sectionType":"section","heading":"Return of records","content":"### 59 Return of records\n\n> A person who, by virtue of [section 4(1A) of the](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1895-009#GS4@Gs1A@EN) [Registration of Births and Deaths Act 1895](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1895-009) was, immediately before the commencement of this Act, a registrar of births and deaths for a district, must forward to the Registrar all registers, register books and associated documents in his or her possession within 3 months of that commencement.","sortOrder":93},{"sectionNumber":"60","sectionType":"section","heading":"Regulations","content":"### 60 Regulations\n\n> > (1)  The Governor may make regulations for the purposes of this Act.\n> \n> > (2)  The regulations may –\n> > \n> > > > (a) provide that a contravention of, or a failure to comply with, any of the regulations is an offence; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) in respect of such an offence, provide for the imposition of a fine not exceeding 10 penalty units.","sortOrder":94},{"sectionNumber":"61","sectionType":"section","heading":"Savings provisions","content":"### 61 Savings provisions\n\n> > (1)  A certificate or other document issued under the [Marriages Registration Act 1962](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1962-023) or the [Registration of Births and Deaths Act 1895](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1895-009) is taken to have been issued under this Act.\n> \n> > (2)  The Register of Marriages kept under the [Marriages Registration Act 1962](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1962-023) and the registers kept under the [Registration of Births and Deaths Act 1895](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1895-009) form part of the Register under this Act.\n> \n> > (3)  The person holding office as Registrar-General immediately before the commencement of this Act continues as the Registrar under this Act.","sortOrder":95},{"sectionNumber":"61A","sectionType":"section","heading":"Transitional provisions","content":"### 61A Transitional provisions\n\n> [*\\[Section 61A Inserted by No. 7 of 2019, s. 25, Applied:05 Sep 2019\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS25@EN)\n> \n> > (1)  If an application under [section 23](#GS23@EN)  –\n> > \n> > > > (a) has been, before the gender amendments day, made in relation to a change of name of a person; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) has not been determined before that day –\n> > \n> > this Act, as in force after that day, applies in relation to the application and the Registrar is to advise the person that the person may make to the Registrar an application under [section 46(9)](#GS46@Gs9@EN) as in force after that day.\n> \n> > (2)  If an application –\n> > \n> > > > (a) has been made under [section 28A](#GS28A@EN) before the gender amendments day; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) has not been determined before that day –\n> > \n> > the application lapses, but the Registrar must return to the applicant any fee paid by the applicant in relation to the application.\n> \n> > (3)  [Subsection (4)](#GS46@Gs4@EN) applies in relation to an application under this Act if –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the application is an application for the issue of a birth certificate or of an extract from the Register in relation to the registration of the birth of a person; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the application was made before the gender amendments day; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) the application has not been, before that day, determined under this Act by issuing, or refusing to issue, a birth certificate or extract.\n> \n> > (4)  If this subsection applies in relation to an application –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the application is to be taken to be an application under [section 46](#GS46@EN) as in force immediately after the gender amendments day; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) this Act, including [section 46](#GS46@EN) , as in force immediately after the gender amendments day, applies in relation to the application; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) the applicant is –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) if a request, in relation to the application, was made under [section 28D(2)](#GS28D@Gs2@EN) as in force before the gender amendments day – to be taken to have made, in relation to the application, a request under [section 46(4)(b)](#GS46@Gs4@Hpb@EN) as in force after that day; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) if a request, in relation to the application, was not made under [section 28D(2)](#GS28D@Gs2@EN) as in force before the gender amendments day – to be taken to have made, in relation to the application, a request under [section 46(4)(c)](#GS46@Gs4@Hpc@EN) as in force after that day.","sortOrder":96},{"sectionNumber":"62","sectionType":"section","heading":"Continuation of  Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1969","content":"### 62 Continuation of  Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1969\n\n> > (1)  The [Subordinate Legislation Order 1998 (S.R. 1998, No. 175)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-1998-175) validly postponed the rescission of the [Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1969](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-1969-214) from 1 January 1999 to 1 January 2000.\n> \n> > (2)  The rescission of the [Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1969](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-1969-214) is further postponed until 1 January 2001.","sortOrder":97},{"sectionNumber":"63","sectionType":"section","heading":"Marriages Registration Act 1962  repealed","content":"### 63 Marriages Registration Act 1962  repealed\n\n> The [Marriages Registration Act 1962](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1962-023) is repealed.","sortOrder":98},{"sectionNumber":"64","sectionType":"section","heading":"Registration of Births and Deaths Act 1895  repealed","content":"### 64 Registration of Births and Deaths Act 1895  repealed\n\n> The [Registration of Births and Deaths Act 1895](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1895-009) is repealed.\n\n*\n\n**65.**   \n\n> See [Schedule 1](#JS1@EN) .\n\n**\n\n**66.**   \n\n> See [Schedule 2](#JS2@EN) .\n\n*","sortOrder":99},{"sectionNumber":"65.","sectionType":"section","heading":null,"content":"### 65.\n\n> See [Schedule 1](#JS1@EN) .","sortOrder":100},{"sectionNumber":"66.","sectionType":"section","heading":null,"content":"### 66.\n\n> See [Schedule 2](#JS2@EN) .","sortOrder":101},{"sectionNumber":"SCHEDULE 1 - Consequential Ame","sectionType":"part","heading":"SCHEDULE 1 - Consequential Amendments","content":"# SCHEDULE 1 - Consequential Ame SCHEDULE 1 - Consequential Amendments\n\n[Section 65](#GS65@EN)\n\n> > (a) [Adoption Act 1988](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1988-041) ;\n> \n> > (b) [Anatomy Act 1964](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1964-059) ;\n> \n> > (c) [Coroners Act 1995](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1995-073) ;\n> \n> > (d) [Electoral Act 1985](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1985-046) ;\n> \n> > (e) [Evidence Act 1910](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1910-020) ;\n> \n> > (f) [Mental Health Act 1963](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1963-063) ;\n> \n> > (g) [Perinatal Registry Act 1994](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1994-031) ;\n> \n> > (h) [Pharmacy Act 1908](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1908-033) ;\n> \n> > (i) [Status of Children Act 1974](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1974-036) .","sortOrder":102},{"sectionNumber":"SCHEDULE 2 - Amendments of  Ad","sectionType":"part","heading":"SCHEDULE 2 - Amendments of  Adoption Act 1988  relating to Registrar-General","content":"# SCHEDULE 2 - Amendments of  Ad SCHEDULE 2 - Amendments of  Adoption Act 1988  relating to Registrar-General\n\n[Section 66](#GS66@EN) [Adoption Act 1988](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1988-041)","sortOrder":103}],"analysis":{"summary":{"complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The original 1999 Act focused on straightforward administrative registration of births, deaths, and marriages. Over time, significant amendments have expanded its scope to include provisions for changing registered sex or gender markers on birth certificates — including removing the requirement for surgery — and accommodating non-binary gender options. These are substantial expansions beyond the Act's original administrative purpose, reflecting broader social and legal changes in how identity is recognised in Tasmania."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple registration categories (births, deaths, marriages, name changes, sex/gender changes) each with distinct procedural requirements","Interaction with federal law and other states' registration systems through mutual recognition frameworks","Privacy and access restrictions require careful navigation — different rules apply depending on who is requesting records and why","Gender/sex marker provisions involve nuanced eligibility criteria and supporting documentation requirements","Delegation of powers to the Registrar creates a layer of administrative discretion that is not always predictable","Amendments over the Act's life (since 1999) mean the current version differs significantly from the original, requiring awareness of which rules apply to events at different points in time","Interaction with other legislation (e.g., Relationships Act, Coroners Act, funeral industry regulation) creates dependencies that are not self-contained within this Act"],"plain_english_summary":"## Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1999 (Tasmania)\n\n**What this law does:**\nThis is Tasmania's official system for recording life's major milestones — when you're born, when you die, and when you get married. It sets up the rules for how these events are officially registered and documented by the government.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- **Everyone born in Tasmania** — your birth is registered here, creating your official legal identity\n- **People who marry in Tasmania** — your marriage is recorded, making it legally recognised\n- **Families of people who die in Tasmania** — deaths must be registered, which is required before a burial or cremation can occur\n- **Parents registering a newborn** — they have legal obligations to notify the registry\n- **Anyone needing official certificates** — birth, death, or marriage certificates issued under this Act are used for passports, Centrelink, Medicare, and countless other purposes\n- **Transgender and non-binary people** — the Act includes provisions for changing the sex/gender recorded on a birth certificate\n\n**Why it matters:**\nYour birth certificate is the foundation of your legal identity in Australia. Without registration, people can struggle to access education, healthcare, government services, or prove who they are. This Act ensures the government keeps accurate, accessible records and can issue official certificates that are recognised across Australia.\n\n**Key things to know:**\n- There are **deadlines** for registering births and deaths — missing them can create legal complications\n- The **Registrar** (a government official) manages the registry and has powers to correct errors or update records\n- **Privacy protections** exist — not just anyone can access your records; access is restricted based on your relationship to the person and the purpose\n- The Act has been **updated over time**, including to allow sex/gender marker changes on birth certificates without requiring surgery, reflecting more modern and inclusive approaches\n- Certificates issued under this Act carry legal weight across all Australian states and territories"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Act's scope was expanded to create a distinct regime for recording and recognising 'gender' alongside the traditional recording of 'sex'. New definitions and procedures (s 3A; Part 4A: ss 28A–28D, 28C) allow registration of a person's gender, set application and approval processes (including magistrate approvals for minors and counselling evidence), and prescribe how registered gender interacts with other State laws and certificates (s 28D, s 46). The Act also introduces limits on altering registered sex after initial registration (s 16(3)–(5)) while permitting registered gender entries that can supersede previous registered sex/gender entries (s 28C(1), (7)). Transitional provisions (s 61A) and recognition of out‑of‑State certificates (s 28E) were added to manage the change in scope."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive definitional framework with cross‑references (s 3, s 3A) that affects many operative provisions","Layered registration regimes (birth, death, marriage, name change, gender) with separate rules and different eligibility/approval routes (Parts 3–6, Part 4A)","Broad discretionary powers vested in the Registrar to require evidence, set conditions, refuse registrations and determine access (ss 16(2), 28C(3)–(4), 41–46, 48–51)","Magistrate and court interventions available for minors and disputed matters, adding judicial interfaces to administrative processes (ss 19, 21, 28B)","Detailed privacy and disclosure rules for sex/gender and previous names that restrict and condition certificate content and access (s 46(3)–(10))","Multiple statutory penalties and criminal offences for false representations, forgery and unauthorised access, increasing legal risk for non‑compliance (ss 54–56)","Interoperability and recognition issues with other States and prior laws, including reciprocal arrangements and transitional provisions (ss 10, 28E, 61A)","Regulatory flexibility (regulations, fees, additional services) combined with powers to charge discretionary fees creates variable cost outcomes for users (ss 48–51)","Recent amendments and repeals referenced in the text (schedules and amendment notes) increase interpretive complexity for historical applications (ss 61–66, amendment notes)"],"plain_english_summary":"What this law does (mechanically)\n\n- Establishes a state system for recording births, deaths, marriages, name changes and related information by creating a Registrar, a Register and rules for entries and searches (ss 4–5, 40).\n- Sets who must notify and when: responsible persons must notify births and medical practitioners, coroners and funeral directors must notify deaths within specified timeframes (ss 11, 15, 32–37). Marriages solemnised in the State must be registered (s 29). Name changes and registrations are made by lodging approved forms with the Registrar (ss 13, 22–27).\n- Creates a separate regime for recording gender and how registered gender and registered sex interact with other State laws (Part 4A: ss 3A, 28A–28D). It specifies who may apply to register a gender, what supporting material may be required (excluding medical certificates), approval processes for under‑16s, limits on how often changes may be made, and the legal effect of a registered gender (ss 28A–28C, 28D).\n- Controls access to Register information: the Registrar decides who has an adequate reason to access records, may set conditions and fees, and must maintain access policies in writing (ss 43–48, 47). The Registrar may also provide additional paid services (s 51).\n- Provides enforcement and integrity provisions including penalties for false or misleading representations, unauthorised interference with the Register, forgery and related offences (ss 54–56). It also includes review routes for administrative decisions (s 53) and savings/transitional arrangements for earlier laws and records (ss 61–62, 61A).\n\nWho this affects\n\n- Individuals: parents, adult applicants, people seeking name or gender registration, people whose births/deaths/marriages are to be recorded (ss 11, 14, 23–28, 28A–28C).\n- Medical practitioners, midwives, coroners and funeral directors: mandated notification and documentary obligations for deaths, stillbirths and births (ss 11, 34–37).\n- The Registrar and Registrar’s staff: appointment, duties and discretionary powers to manage the Register, set conditions of access, require verification and charge fees (ss 4–7, 41–46, 48, 51).\n- Courts and magistrates: powers to order registrations, resolve disputes about names and approve gender registration for minors (ss 19, 21, 28B).\n- Organisations or persons seeking historical, genealogical or other access to register information: access depends on the Registrar's assessment of adequate reason and privacy protection (ss 43–46, 50–52).\n\nWhy it matters (stated purposes and practical effects)\n\n- The Act creates the legal record that supports identity, civil status, inheritance, access to services and statistical uses by requiring and structuring registration of vital events (ss 12, 16, 29, 32, 40).\n- It establishes how personal characteristics recorded in the Register (sex and gender) are to be treated across State law, by allowing gender registration and specifying its legal operation and limits (ss 3A, 16, 28C, 28D). The Act explicitly separates \"registered sex\" (birth record) and \"registered gender\" (Part 4A entries) and prescribes how these appear on certificates and interact with other laws (ss 16, 28C, 46).\n\nCosts, incentives and trade‑offs (practical mechanisms)\n\n- Compliance costs and administrative burden fall mainly on individuals and regulated professionals: parents or other responsible persons must lodge notifications/forms by set deadlines and may need statutory declarations or verification (ss 11, 13–15, 18, 26). Medical practitioners, coroners and funeral directors face notification duties and potential fines (ss 35–37, penalties noted across the Act).\n- The Registrar has broad discretion to require additional documents, refuse or correct entries and to set conditions on access and fees (ss 16(2), 41(2), 42, 43(1), 48, 51(3)). That discretion concentrates decision‑making power in the Registrar’s office and creates an administrative gatekeeper role for access to identity data (ss 4–6, 43–47).\n- Fees and revenue: the regulations may prescribe fees for searches and certificates (s 48). The Registrar may charge for additional services and may set charges that do not necessarily relate to cost (s 51(3)). The Registrar can remit fees in appropriate cases (s 49). This creates a mix of regulated fees and discretionary pricing for ancillary products.\n- Privacy versus access trade‑off: the Registrar must balance applicants' reasons against sensitivity and privacy when granting access (s 43(2)–(3), s 45). Special rules limit who can obtain sex/gender information on birth certificates and when previous sex/gender or prior names are disclosed (s 46(3)–(7), (8)–(10)).\n- Cross‑jurisdiction recognition and administrative coordination: the Minister can make reciprocal arrangements with other States’ registering authorities and the Act recognises certain out‑of‑State recognition certificates (s 10, s 28E). This creates opportunities for inter‑state data sharing but requires operational agreements to avoid inconsistent records (s 10(1)–(3)).\n- Limits on changing recorded sex: the Registrar must register sex at birth as male or female (s 16(3)–(5)) and may not change a registered sex from male to female or vice versa except to correct an error (s 16(4)). At the same time, the Act permits recording a registered gender (which may be non‑binary) under Part 4A and provides that a registered gender can cease previous registered sexes/genders (ss 28A, 28C(1) and (7)). These mechanics affect the options available to individuals and the resulting content of official certificates (ss 16, 28C, 46).\n\nIncentives and likely behavioural effects\n\n- Individuals who want official recognition of a name or gender change must apply using the Registrar’s approved forms and, for minors, may need magistrate approval or evidence of counselling (ss 23–27, 28A–28C). That channels private decisions into administrative processes and creates incentives to meet Registrar requirements to obtain official documents.\n- Businesses involved in deaths (funeral directors) and health professionals have operational obligations to supply information; failure to comply risks fines (ss 35–37, penalties cited). This shifts administrative work and record‑keeping costs onto those providers.\n- Because the Registrar can provide paid additional services and set discretionary charges, there is potential for revenue generation from value‑added products (s 51(3)).\n\nImplementation risk and areas of administrative discretion\n\n- High discretion: the Registrar can refuse registrations, require evidence (excluding medical documents in gender applications), and set conditions of access and fees (ss 28A(2)(c), 28C(3)–(4), 43(1), 48, 51). The Act provides applicants with a right to review registrarial decisions (s 53), but the day‑to‑day outcomes will depend on policy and practice set by the Registrar and the Minister (s 4(2)).\n- Complexity of cross‑references and transitional arrangements: the Act contains multiple amendments and transitional provisions (including those inserted by later amending Acts) that affect how earlier applications are handled (s 61A). This elevates operational complexity for officials and applicants alike.\n\nConcrete who‑pays / who‑decides summary\n\n- Who pays: applicants may pay fees for certificates, searches and optional additional services (ss 48–51). Persons who fail to comply with notification duties may face fines (ss 11, 15, 35–37, 54). The Crown (rather than the Registrar personally) absorbs liability for honest acts or omissions (s 57).\n- Who decides: the Registrar (appointed under the State Service Act) administers the Act and exercises most operational decisions (ss 4–6, 41–46). The Minister has control and direction over the Registrar (s 4(2)). Magistrates and courts can order registrations or approve gender registration for minors and resolve name disputes (ss 19, 21, 28B). The Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal reviews Registrar decisions (s 53).\n\nNet effect on private choice and businesses\n\n- Individuals retain private choice to adopt names by usage and may choose whether to apply for official name or gender registration; but obtaining an official record requires navigating Registrar requirements, possible magistrate involvement for minors, and potential fees (ss 22–28, 28A–28C, 46).\n- Independent businesses are affected mainly through compliance duties (funeral directors, health practitioners) and may interact commercially with the Registrar for paid services (ss 35–37, 51).\n\nKey sections to consult quickly: definitions and gender (s 3, s 3A), Registrar powers and duties (ss 4–7, 40–43), birth/death notification rules (ss 11, 15, 32–37), gender registration mechanics (ss 28A–28D, 28C), access and certificates (ss 43–46), fees and services (ss 48–51), enforcement (ss 54–56), review (s 53) and transitional provisions (s 61A)."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The legislation has expanded significantly beyond its original 1999 scope. While initially focused on administrative registration of vital statistics (births, deaths, marriages), major amendments—particularly the 2019 'gender amendments'—have transformed it into a comprehensive gender recognition framework. The Act now regulates: (1) self-identification of gender without medical intervention; (2) non-binary and indeterminate gender categories; (3) complex privacy controls for historical sex/gender information on certificates; (4) specific rules for searches and detention that reference gender identity; and (5) detailed transitional arrangements converting the old 'change of sex' framework to the new 'gender identity' system. This represents a shift from pure record-keeping to active legal recognition of identity characteristics."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple overlapping definitions of 'sex' and 'gender' with transitional provisions (sections 3, 3A, 16, 28C, 28D)","Nested conditional logic for birth certificate display options (section 46 has 10 subsections with multiple pathways for showing/hiding sex, gender, and name history)","Complex interaction between 'registered sex' (historical) and 'registered gender' (current) with specific rules about when each ceases to apply (section 28C(7))","Age-based tiered consent requirements: different rules for under 12, 12-15, 16-17, and 18+ for name changes and gender registration","Cross-references to at least 9 other Acts including the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth), Coroners Act 1995, Surrogacy Act 2012, and Adoption Act 1988","Transitional provisions (section 61A) that convert old applications to new framework post-2019 amendments","Specific exceptions for pregnancy, fertilisation, and parentage terminology that override general gender recognition rules (section 28D(3))","Multiple amendment history markers throughout text indicating layered legislative changes over 20+ years"],"plain_english_summary":"This is the **Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1999** (Tasmania). It establishes the legal framework for recording life's major events—births, deaths, marriages, name changes, and gender identity—in an official government register.\n\n**What it does:**\n- **Creates a Registrar**: Appoints an official (the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages) to maintain the Register and oversee the system.\n- **Registers births**: Requires hospitals, doctors, or midwives to notify the Registrar of births within specific timeframes. Parents must register their child's birth within 60 days (or 120 days if sex characteristics make assignment difficult). The Registrar records the child's name and sex at birth.\n- **Records deaths**: Requires medical practitioners and funeral directors to notify the Registrar of deaths. Deaths must be registered before remains can be disposed of (buried, cremated, etc.).\n- **Registers marriages**: Records marriages solemnised in Tasmania using certificates from the federal Marriage Act.\n- **Allows name changes**: Lets adults and children change their legal name by registration, with safeguards for children (consent required if over 12, court approval needed in some disputes).\n- **Recognises gender identity**: Allows people 16+ to apply to register their gender (male, female, non-binary, indeterminate, or other descriptors) based on self-identification via a statutory declaration—**no surgery or medical treatment required**. Parents can apply for children under 16 with court approval if needed. Once registered, this gender is recognised across Tasmanian law for most purposes.\n- **Protects privacy**: Controls who can access register information and under what conditions, with special rules for birth certificates showing sex/gender history.\n- **Provides review rights**: Allows people to appeal Registrar decisions to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- Every person born, married, or who dies in Tasmania\n- Parents registering births or changing children's names\n- Transgender and gender-diverse people seeking to update their legal gender\n- Funeral directors, doctors, midwives, and hospitals with notification duties\n- Genealogists and family historians seeking historical records\n\n**Why it matters:**\nThis Act creates the legal identity documents that underpin everyday life—birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage records. The 2019 amendments were particularly significant, making Tasmania one of the most progressive jurisdictions for gender recognition by removing medical requirements and allowing non-binary and self-described gender options."},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/births-deaths-and-marriages-registration-act-1999","history":"/api/acts/births-deaths-and-marriages-registration-act-1999/history","analysis":"/api/acts/births-deaths-and-marriages-registration-act-1999/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/births-deaths-and-marriages-registration-act-1999/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/births-deaths-and-marriages-registration-act-1999/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/births-deaths-and-marriages-registration-act-1999/documents"}}