Tuesday, 30th of July 2024
Victorian Legislative Council
RACHEL PAYNE, Member for South-East Melbourne Metropolitan – To ask the Minister for Mental Health (for the Minister for Health): In relation to Michael Gorton’s Independent Review of Assisted Reproductive Treatment in Victoria: When will legislation be brought forward to implement the recommendations of the review in full, including removing the demeaning requirement that same-sex couples prove that they are unable to become pregnant to access surrogacy arrangements, removing the mandatory counselling requirements for assisted reproductive treatment and expanding counsellors beyond those of an assisted reproductive treatment provider.
Answer Received, October 2nd, 2024:
The Labor Government has been undertaking a staged response to the Gorton Review. This includes the establishment of a public egg and sperm bank and amending language in the Act to be more inclusive. Other reforms have been implemented to promote access and remove barriers to treatment.
In addition, my department have been consulting on proposed changes to the ART Act that would address additional recommendations. This includes reforms in the Health Legislation Amendment (Regulatory Reform) Bill 2024.
As part of the public consultation, the department invited feedback on potential future reforms to the ART Act. Many proposals were received including in relation to the remaining Gorton Review recommendations. This feedback will be considered in the context of proposed future reforms.
The Hon Mary-Anne Thomas MP
Minister for Health, Minister for Health Infrastructure, Minister for Ambulance Services
