Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Nats Seek Change To Body Piercing LawsThe National Party is pushing hard for a change to state laws so that body piercing on a person under 18 years of age can only be performed with parental consent. By Peter Hall - 3rd August 2007 - Back to News Eastern Region MP Peter Hall said a notice of motion to change the law also called for the capacity to prosecute individuals or businesses who illegally carry out body piercing on underage people. The motion is set for debate in Parliament next Wednesday.
"The Nationals are keen to see a similar situation to tattooing, which is prohibited on people under the age of 18," Mr Hall said. "While body piercings are not a permanent feature like a tattoo, the reality is there are health issues as well as safety issues that need be considered.
"It is appropriate that parental consent is a requirement so that health issues are properly considered and discussed."
The Australian Medical Association has reported that complications arising from piercing procedures can include infections, speech impediments, breathing problems, increased tooth decay and broken teeth. Infections can also result in blood poisoning, toxic shock syndrome and blocked airways as well as the risk of HIV and hepatitis.
Mr Hall said there had been recent media reports of botched body piercing. "However, police are unable to charge the people performing the piercing because there are no current laws outlawing under aged body piercing," he added.
Mr Hall said as the incidence of body piercing increases, especially for younger people, it was time to seek better regulations for the industry.
"This is not about ceasing the practice of body piercing, which appeals to some people. It is about making the industry more accountable and making sure that young people consider the possible consequences, with their parents, of this activity.
"We are urging the Government to act quickly before an underage person suffers from serious infections or health problems as a result of a body piercing."
Mr Hall said he was keen to hear the views of members of the community, who were welcome to contact his office in Traralgon to express their opinion.
Mr Hall said The Nationals had received a number of complaints from distressed parents of children who had undergone body piercing without parental consent.
"The main aim of the amendment is to bring a particular focus to the interests and welfare of children."
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening. - Labor government's VicGrid laws pass with crossbench backing amid Nationals' warning of property rights erosion
The Allan government's VicGrid laws passed with crossbench support, sparking Nationals' criticism over lost property rights, silenced regional voices, and overreach. The Nationals vow repeal in 2026 to restore landholder protections. - Nationals' $100M Safer Communities Plan targets crime crisis with tough laws and prevention programs across Gippsland
Martin Cameron backed a $100 million Safer Communities Plan, promising tougher laws and prevention programs to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, restore community safety, and support at-risk youth, contrasting Labor's cuts. - Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes. - East Gippsland Water expects no summer restrictions, yet climate change makes long-term conservation vital
East Gippsland Water predicts sufficient rainfall this summer, making restrictions unlikely, but warns climate change and future droughts mean ongoing water conservation remains essential for communities. - Melina Bath launches e-petition urging Labor to enforce gun laws properly and protect law-abiding firearm owners in Gippsland
Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath and firearm owner Ryan Weeratunge launch e-petition urging Labor to enforce existing gun laws, avoid rushed changes, and consult law-abiding owners to ensure community safety. - Discover Tarra Bulga National Park’s ancient rainforest, towering ferns, Corrigan Suspension Bridge, lyrebirds, and lush Gippsland greenery
Explore Tarra Bulga National Park’s ancient rainforest, towering ferns, and Corrigan Suspension Bridge, spot lyrebirds, enjoy walking trails, picnic areas, and nearby Gippsland towns, beaches, and rail trails. - Explore Mitchell River National Park’s dramatic gorges, lush rainforest, and sacred Aboriginal sites on the Den of Nargun Loop Walk
Discover Mitchell River National Park’s dramatic gorges, razorback ridges, and lush rainforest on the Den of Nargun Loop Walk, a sacred Aboriginal site northeast of Sale, 3¼ hours from Melbourne. - Gippsland emerges as national hub for industrial hemp, boosting sustainable alternatives to timber
Gippsland is gaining national attention as a hub for industrial hemp, with pilot projects, crop walks, and the Global Hemp Summit showcasing sustainable alternatives and regional economic opportunities. - East Gippsland celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, honouring everyday heroes strengthening local communities
East Gippsland Shire celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, recognising local volunteers’ extraordinary contributions and encouraging community members to get involved, with nominations open for the Volunteer Honour Roll all year. - Gippsland Water celebrates National Water Week poster winners, honouring young regional artists’ achievements
Gippsland Water announced its National Water Week poster winners, congratulating students for colourful submissions. Four placed in the state competition, with Heyfield Primary School winning $500 for STEM or sustainability projects. - Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption. - Gippslander Scott Morris joins national bowel cancer advocacy push at Parliament House in Canberra
Bairnsdale Scott Morris joined Bowel Cancer Australia's Call on Canberra, sharing his stage four diagnosis to advocate for earlier screening, better treatment pathways, and urgent national action on rising early-onset bowel cancer rates. - Michelle Garvan of Lakes Entrance honoured with national medals for outstanding dedication and service to community safety
Six Victorian lifesavers have been awarded National Medals, recognising 15-25 years of dedicated volunteer service protecting the community and ensuring public safety in Australian waterways. - Danny O'Brien announces finalised Loch Sport groyne designs, Gippsland Ports to seek tenders before Christmas
Erosion works on Loch Sport foreshore will begin next year, with designs finalised for new groynes. Danny O'Brien praised the community's persistence and vowed to push for further coastal protection. - Darren Chester presented to Five CHC Helicopter crew awarded National Emergency Medals for heroic Black Summer bushfire service
Five CHC Helicopter personnel based at East Sale RAAF Base received National Emergency Medals for courageous, lifesaving service during the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires across Gippsland communities. - Darren Chester urges young Gippslanders to apply for 2026 National Youth Parliament Leadership Program by 21 November 2025
Darren Chester is encouraging Gippsland students aged 16 - 17 to apply for the 2026 National Youth Parliament, offering a fully funded week-long leadership and democracy program in Canberra. - Melina Bath criticised Labor's plan to create new national parks, locking out long-term bush users
Liberals and Nationals oppose Labor's plan to convert 65,000 hectares into national parks, citing unfair exclusion of bush users despite strong opposition and a 40,000-signature petition against the proposal. - Darren Chester honours Gippsland farmers and workers on National Agriculture Day for vital regional contributions
Darren Chester has praised Gippsland’s farmers and agricultural workers on National Agriculture Day, recognising their resilience, vital economic contribution and essential role in sustaining local communities and ensuring ongoing food security. - East Gippsland Water celebrates talented young artists in National Water Week Poster Competition 2025
East Gippsland Water has announced winners of its National Water Week poster competition, celebrating young artists who showcased creativity and water conservation awareness under the theme "Water Heroes: Save Every Drop." - Darren Chester's Christmas reflection mixes Gippsland joy with national grief, unity, gratitude and hope for Australia
Darren Chester reflects on Gippsland Christmas, mourning Bondi Beach victims, appreciating essential workers, and urging unity, gratitude, and hope while wishing everyone a safe, happy, and prosperous New Year. - Melina Bath celebrates Victorian farmers’ dedication and contributions during National Agriculture Week 2025
The Nationals’ Melina Bath highlights Victorian farmers’ hard work, resilience, and vital contributions during National Agriculture Week, urging support for primary producers and celebrating their role in communities and the economy.
|
|
