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Getting a Passport made easier for sex and gender diverse
A COPY OF THE MEDIA RELEASE
Dear All
Pleased to advise that media advice has just been issued to advise of new passports policy change (below).
We will put revised policy up first thing tomorrow morning on the website. Draft policy text is attached for your information.
DFAT are doing training next week for passports officers, and we will be able to advise you specific contact points in each passports office for these applications once that training is completed.
Many thanks for your feedback on the policy changes. Its been a pleasure to work with you all.
Kind regards, Diana
Diana Nelson
Office of the Hon. Kevin Rudd MP
Minister for Foreign AffairsForeign Minister Kevin Rudd and Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced
new guidelines to make it easier for sex and gender diverse people to get a passport in their
preferred gender.
Under the guidelines, sex reassignment surgery will no longer be a prerequisite to issue a
passport in a person’s preferred gender.
“Sex and gender diverse people now have the option of presenting a statement from a
medical practitioner supporting their preferred gender,” said Mr Rudd.
“This amendment makes life easier and significantly reduces the administrative burden for
sex and gender diverse people who want a passport that reflects their gender and physical
appearance.”
The initiative is in line with the Australian Government’s commitment to remove
discrimination on the grounds of gender identity and sexual orientation.
“Most people take for granted the ability to travel freely and without fear of
discrimination,” Mr McClelland said.
“This measure will extend the same freedoms to sex and gender diverse Australians.
“While it’s expected this change will only affect a handful of Australians, it’s an important
step in removing discrimination for sex and gender diverse people.
“Importantly, this policy addresses a number of the recommendations contained in the
Australian Human Rights Commission’s Sex Files report.”
CANBERRA
14 SEPTEMBER 201Quote: -
2 Replies
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I have just spent several minutes talking to a delightful lady at the passport office in Sydney and she has told me how simple it now is to alter your gender salutation/ prefix on your passport.
Also on the Passport web site is a page called information for gender and sex diverse applicants, rivetting reading.
I think a lot is owed to Marcelle for her perserverance, I am sure she rattled a few cages.
Thank You.
http://www.passports.gov.au/web/sexgenderapplicants.aspx -
I hear people constantly banging on about how this Government has done nothing ( especially those who lean to the right.) While I am not keen on all aspects of our Govt. , this change is welcomed and overdue IMO.
Gender diverse people should not be forced to undergo dangerous surgery just to achieve parity with their peers.
Now for a change on same sex marriage and we will be on the road to real equity in gender matters.
