The state of Victoria has taken a historic step towards greater inclusivity by becoming the first jurisdiction in Australia to abolish all fees for individuals seeking to update their gender on their birth certificate.
Eliminating Financial Barriers
On Friday, the Allan Government announced the landmark decision, which scraps the previous cost of $140.40 for Victorians and $122 for those living interstate. This move ensures that cost is no longer an obstacle for trans and gender diverse people needing identity documents that reflect their true selves.
Government Services Minister, Natalie Hutchins, confirmed that the free service is part of recent updates to the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act Regulations 2019. She stated that the government is committed to ensuring money isn't a barrier to having accurate legal documents.
A Significant Step for Legal Recognition
The government also revealed that certificate postage within Australia will now be waived, providing an additional benefit. This is particularly crucial as birth certificates are a fundamental identity document required for enrolling in study, opening bank accounts, and applying for a driver's licence or passport.
According to an official media release, only one third of trans and gender diverse Victorians currently hold identity documents that match their gender identity. This policy change directly addresses this issue.
This initiative builds upon 2020 legal changes that removed the requirement for individuals to undergo surgery to change the sex recorded on their birth certificate.
Empowering the Community
The announcement comes shortly after Trans Awareness Week and Trans Day of Remembrance. Minister for Equality, Vicki Ward, welcomed the move, describing it as an 'empowering measure' that provides fair and proper legal recognition.
She emphasised that this is an important step forward for trans and gender diverse communities in Victoria, allowing for official recognition of their lived identity without financial hardship.
