Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa (Torres Strait Islander Traditional Child Rearing Practice) Bill 2020 * (Qld)

An Act to provide for the recognition and acceptance of traditional child rearing practice in the Torres Strait community, and to amend this Act, the Adoption Act 2009, the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 2003, the Criminal Code, the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012, the Domicile Act 1981, the Evidence Act 1977, the Guardianship and Administration Act 2000, the Industrial Relations Act 2016, the Integrity Act 2009, the Payroll Tax Act 1971, the Powers of Attorney Act 1998, the Public Service Act 2008 and the Right to Information Act 2009 for particular purposes

Preamble In enacting this Act, the Parliament of Queensland recognises— 1 Ailan Kastom is important and significant for Torres Strait Islanders. 2 Ailan Kastom includes Ailan Kastom child rearing practice that is part of the unique, ancient, integral and enduring culture that exists within the Torres Strait Islander community. 3 Ailan Kastom child rearing practice has been practised in the Torres Strait since time immemorial. 4 Ailan Kastom child rearing practice is integral to keeping Torres Strait Islanders spiritually and socially connected to the land and sea and assuring the survival of their culture. 5 As part of the recognition and preservation of Ailan Kastom it is necessary that the laws of Queensland protect the rights, interests and responsibilities of Torres Strait Islanders who are affected by Ailan Kastom child rearing practice. 6 The recognition of Ailan Kastom child rearing practice ensures that a child who has been raised in accordance with the practice will benefit by having their legal identity reflect their cultural identity. The Parliament of Queensland enacts—

Part 1 Preliminary

1 Short title This Act may be cited as the Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa (Torres Strait Islander Traditional Child Rearing Practice) Act 2020.