Labor and Coalition block bill that would ban incarcerated women being shackled in childbirth

A crossbench senator has introduced legislation to end the shackling of incarcerated women during childbirth and ban strip-searches of children, measures the major parties have blocked in the Senate. The bills, which aim to address human rights concerns within the justice system, were opposed by both government and opposition, with officials citing state-based jurisdiction as the reason for rejecting the vote. With growing public and political scrutiny over prison conditions, the stalled proposals highlight ongoing debates over federal intervention in state-run corrections. An independent lawmaker has signaled further action by announcing plans to directly contact Queensland’s attorney general regarding the issue.

Liberal Paul Scarr breaks ranks to condemn major parties, saying he will write to Queensland attorney generalFollow our Australian politics live blog for latest updatesGet our new political email, free app or daily news podcastLabor and the Coalition have blocked a vote on a bill that would have banned the shackling of incarcerated women during childbirth, with the government saying it was the responsibility of the states and territories.Independent senator Lidia Thorpe introduced the bills, which would prevent shackling and stop children being strip-searched, into the Senate. Continue reading...