The NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages (BDM) has reported that almost 1,000 people took advantage of its free birth certificates program in 2018-19, almost 10 times the number in the year before.
Attorney General, Mark Speakman and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Don Harwin revealed that over the past two years the number of free birth certificates provided by BDM had risen from 80 to 953.
Mr Speakman said nearly 1,000 people from vulnerable and Indigenous communities benefited from free birth certificates in the past year.
“Without a birth certificate, obtaining a driver’s licence, establishing a bank account or accessing emergency accommodation is difficult, if not impossible,” Mr Speakman said.
“BDM has dramatically increased the number of free birth certificates it provides to some of the most vulnerable people in our community – empowering them to have greater access and opportunity,” he said.
Mr Harwin said the increased, meaningful engagement with Aboriginal communities on their land was building stronger ties.
“The Our Kids Count program is achieving magnificent results as the BDM outreach team connects with Aboriginal parents in the regions, encouraging them to register the births of their babies and obtain birth certificates,” Mr Harwin said.
Community Engagement Manager at BDM, Annette Finneran said the program would continue to grow with future visits planned across NSW.
