Independent Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard moved amendments to the Children and Community Services Amendment Bill 2010 which are aimed at reducing harm to children caused by body piercing. The amendments were adopted in the Legislative Assembly today.

These amendments will make it a requirement that children under the age of 18 obtain consent from their parents or guardians before all forms of body piercing except ear piercings which are permitted for 16 year-olds and above," said Dr Woollard.

"Intimate body piercing on a child’s genitals, anal area, perineum and the nipples will not be allowed regardless of whether the child has parental consent.

"I would like to thank the Minister for Child Protection; Community Services, the Hon Robyn McSweeney, and the Government for supporting the amendments.

" Dr Woollard said the amendments will expand on the existing protection offered to children under the current Children and Community Services Act 2004, where it is required that parental consent be obtained before children can be branded or tattooed.

"Body piercing holds potential health risks which could be irreversible and cause mutilation and disfigurement for life," said Dr Woollard.

"Unsanitary piercing practices could lead to septicaemia, cross contamination and blood borne diseases such as Hepatitis A, B and C, and even HIV. Dr Woollard said some of the complications from body piercing include:

a. Lips and cheeks – Speech impediments, breathing problems, and increased tooth decay.

b. Tongue – Airway obstruction due to swelling of the tongue and receding gums that may lead to gum disease and tooth loss.

c. Nipple piercing – Development of scar tissue that may cause difficulties in breastfeeding in later life.

Dr Woollard said the amendments will ensure that parents are involved in the decision making process for such procedures which could harm their children.

"Many parents have called my office after their children have suffered from infections or other problems resulting from body piercing," said Dr Woollard.

"Parents want to be able to discuss the implications of body piercing with their children and come to a decision that would protect the health and future of their young children."

Dr Woollard said under the amendments, penalties for piercing a child’s body without parental consent will be a $12,000 fine or one year’s imprisonment, while piercing a child’s intimate parts will bring a penalty of $18,000 or an 18-month prison term.