Key facts
- Labor and the Coalition plan to reject a bill to ban shackling of incarcerated women during childbirth.
- The bill also aimed to prevent children from being strip-searched.
- Senator Lidia Thorpe introduced the legislation.
- The government cited state and territory responsibility for the criminal justice system.
- Senator Paul Scarr condemned the major parties' stance and vowed to address the issue.
Labor and the Coalition are poised to reject a bill that would have prohibited the shackling of incarcerated women during childbirth. The legislation, introduced by independent senator Lidia Thorpe, also sought to prevent children from undergoing strip-searches. Thorpe argued that these practices are "barbaric, inhumane traumatic and totally unnecessary." The government maintained that the criminal justice system is primarily a matter for state and territory governments. The Coalition acknowledged the bill's intent but also signaled its opposition to its passage. However, Queensland Liberal senator Paul Scarr broke ranks, expressing deep concern about the practice nationwide and pledging to discuss it with the Queensland attorney general. He urged the prime minister to convene a national cabinet meeting to address the issue.