Labor and the Coalition have blocked a vote on a bill that would have banned the shackling of incarcerated women during childbirth, with the government saying it was the responsibility of the states and territories.
Independent senator Lidia Thorpe introduced the bills, which would prevent shackling and stop children being strip-searched, into the Senate.
“In 2026 people can be shackled while giving birth, and children canalso have their clothes removed by adults to examine their bodies legally,” Thorpe told the Senate.
“The people sitting in this room have the power to end these barbaric, inhumane traumatic and totally unnecessary practices.”
The government said “the responsibility of the criminal justice system predominantly sits with state and territory governments”, while the Coalition said it “understands the intent” of the bill but also would not support its passage.
Making stuff up, like that addicts of one of the most addictive substances will do just about anything to continue using it.
You’re a genius.
I am not a genius. I am Interested in truth.
You are now generalising about addicts. We were discussing a very specific situation: that women will get wilfully pregnant to avoid jail. For a lot of women in situations surrounded by crime, poverty, addiction, mental health problems and violence becoming pregnant is yet another problem, not a solution.
Seriously, have a look at some of the studies that are available online.