In 2020, Anglicare Southern Queensland welcomed new legislation introduced to Queensland Parliament. The Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa Bill recognises the traditional child rearing practices of Torres Strait Islander people.
The Private Member’s Bill, Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa (Torres Strait Islander Traditional Child Rearing Practice) Bill 2020, was introduced by State Member for Cook Cynthia Lui in July 2020.
Karen Crouch (Anglicare’s previous Executive Director) said it was a historic moment for Queensland.
“We recognise the enduring wisdom and cultural practices of our First Nations people and the great benefits that embedding these traditional practices into legislation will have for many children, families and communities,” Ms Crouch said.
“This Bill acknowledges the practices of extended families and caregivers supporting and nurturing children. It provides an opportunity for the permanent transfer of parentage from biological parents to cultural parents.”
“It will also ensure that a child’s birth certificate reflects their lived identity.”
“We welcome the Bill and look forward to it passing through Parliament and into law. It will formally recognise Torres Strait Islander traditional child rearing practices.”
Why is it important?
Child rearing practice plays a significant factor in Torres Strait Islander community and family life. It gives a sense of social order in Torres Strait Islander communities and is strongly connected to other aspects of customary law.
How does it work?
The Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa Bill allows parental rights and responsibilities to be permanently transferred from a child’s birth parents to their cultural parents. This can be achieved through verbal agreement and can occur for numerous reasons. The primary ones being to maintain bloodlines, strengthening bonds between families and allowing families experiencing infertility to raise a child.
In July 2021, the Kaziw Kazipa Bill was passed by the Office of the Commissioner. Visit the Queensland Parliament website for more information.
You can find out more about Anglicare Southern Queensland’s Cultural Capability Framework here.