Australian Capital Territory
Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1997    
A1997-112
Republication No 12
Effective:  1 July 2008 – 1 February 2009
Republication date: 1 July 2008
Last amendment made by A2008-14
(republication for amendments by A2008-5)

Unauthorised version prepared by ACT Parliamentary Counsel’s Office

About this republication
The republished law
This is a republication of the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1997 (including any amendment made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 (Editorial changes)) as in force on 1 July 2008.  It also includes any amendment, repeal or expiry affecting the republished law to 1 July 2008.  
The legislation history and amendment history of the republished law are set out in endnotes 3 and 4. 
Kinds of republications
The Parliamentary Counsel’s Office prepares 2 kinds of republications of ACT laws (see the ACT legislation register at www.legislation.act.gov.au):
•	authorised republications to which the Legislation Act 2001 applies
•	unauthorised republications.
The status of this republication appears on the bottom of each page.
Editorial changes
The Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 authorises the Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial amendments and other changes of a formal nature when preparing a law for republication.  Editorial changes do not change the effect of the law, but have effect as if they had been made by an Act commencing on the republication date (see Legislation Act 2001, s 115 and s 117).  The changes are made if the Parliamentary Counsel considers they are desirable to bring the law into line, or more closely into line, with current legislative drafting practice.  
This republication does not include amendments made under part 11.3 (see endnote 1).
Uncommenced provisions and amendments
If a provision of the republished law has not commenced or is affected by an uncommenced amendment, the symbol  U  appears immediately before the provision heading.  The text of the uncommenced provision or amendment appears only in the last endnote.
Modifications
If a provision of the republished law is affected by a current modification, the symbol  M  appears immediately before the provision heading.  The text of the modifying provision appears in the endnotes.  For the legal status of modifications, see Legislation Act 2001, section 95.
Penalties
The value of a penalty unit for an offence against this republished law at the republication date is—
	(a)	if the person charged is an individual—$100; or
	(b)	if the person charged is a corporation—$500.

Australian Capital Territory
Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1997

Contents
	Page

Part 1	Preliminary
	1	Name of Act	2
	2	Dictionary	2
	3	Notes	2
	4	Meaning of adult and child	3
	4A	Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc	3
Part 2	Registration of births
Division 2.1	Notification of births
	5	Notification of births	4
Division 2.2	Registration of births
	6	Meaning of birth registration statement for div 2.2	5
	7	When registration of birth is required or authorised	5
	8	Responsibility to have birth registered	6
	9	How to have the birth of a child registered	6
	10	Obligation to have birth registered	7
	11	How births are registered	7
	12	Name of child	7
	13	Dispute about child’s name	8
	14	Registration of parentage details	8
	15	Jurisdiction of Supreme Court to order registration of birth	9
Division 2.3	Alteration of details of birth registration
	16	Addition of details of parentage after registration of birth	9
Division 2.4	Substitute parent information
	16A	Registration of parentage order	11
	16B	Re-registration of birth if parentage order made	11
Part 3	Change of name
	17	Change of name by registration	13
	18	Application to register change of adult’s name	13
	19	Application to register change of child’s name	13
	20	Registration of change of name	14
	21	Change of name entries in register	15
	22	Change of name may still be established by repute or usage	16
Part 4	Change of sex
	23	Definitions for pt 4	17
	24	Application to alter register to record change of sex	17
	25	Evidence in support of application	18
	26	Alteration of register	18
	27	Issue of birth certificates	18
	28	Use of old birth certificate to deceive	19
	29	Effect of certificates issued in relation to transsexual people	19
Part 5	Registration of marriages
	30	When registration of marriages is required	21
	31	How to have a marriage registered	21
	32	How marriages are registered	21
Part 5A	Civil partnerships
	32A	Civil partnership—particulars of relationship	22
	32B	Civil partnership—particulars of termination	22
Part 6	Registration of deaths
Division 6.1	When registration of deaths is required or authorised
	33	When registration to happen	23
	34	Circumstances in which deaths are not to be registered	23
Division 6.2	Notification and registration of deaths
	35	Notification of deaths by doctors	24
	36	Certificates of deaths subject to inquests	25
	37	Notification by funeral directors etc	25
	38	How deaths are registered	27
Part 7	The register and other records
Division 7.1	Keeping the register
	39	The register	28
	40	Correction of register	28
Division 7.2	Inquiries
	41	Registrar-general’s powers of inquiry	29
Division 7.3	Access to, and certification of, register entries
	42	Access to register	30
	43	Search of register	31
	44	Protection of privacy	32
	45	Issue of certificates	32
	46	Access policies	32
Division 7.4	Additional information and services
	47	Registrar-general may collect other information	33
	48	Additional services	33
Division 7.5	Offences
	50	Unauthorised access to, or interference with, register	34
	51	Confiscation of forged etc instruments	35
	52	Confiscation of erroneous or false instruments	36
Part 8	Administrative review
	53	Review of decisions	37
Part 10	Miscellaneous
	65	Certificate evidence	38
	66	Arrangements with States and other Territories	38
	67	Determination of fees	39
	68	Power to remit fees	39
	69	Approved forms	40
	70	Regulation-making power	40
Dictionary		41
Endnotes
	1	About the endnotes	44
	2	Abbreviation key	44
	3	Legislation history	45
	4	Amendment history	47
	5	Earlier republications	53

Australian Capital Territory
Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1997

An Act relating to the registration of births, deaths, marriages, civil partnerships and changes of name and sex, and for related purposes

    

Part 1	Preliminary
    
1	Name of Act
This Act is the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1997.
2	Dictionary
The dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.
Note 1	The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms used in this Act, and includes references (signpost definitions) to other terms defined elsewhere in this Act.
	For example, the signpost definition ‘sexual reassignment surgery—see section 23.’ means that the term ‘sexual reassignment surgery’ is defined in that section.
Note 2	A definition in the dictionary (including a signpost definition) applies to the entire Act unless the definition, or another provision of the Act, provides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise appears (see Legislation Act, s 155 and s 156 (1)).
3	Notes
A note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this Act.
Note	See the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.

4	Meaning of adult and child
In this Act:
adult means a person who—
	(a)	is at least 18 years old; or
	(b)	is under 18 years old, but is or has been married.
child means a person other than an adult, and includes a stillborn child.
4A	Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc
Other legislation applies in relation to offences against this Act.
Note 1	Criminal Code
The Criminal Code, ch 2 applies to all offences against this Act (see Code, pt 2.1).  
The chapter sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility (including burdens of proof and general defences), and defines terms used for offences to which the Code applies (eg conduct, intention, recklessness and strict liability).
Note 2	Penalty units
The Legislation Act, s 133 deals with the meaning of offence penalties that are expressed in penalty units.

Part 2	Registration of births
Division 2.1	Notification of births
5	Notification of births
	(1)	If a child is born in the ACT, the responsible person must give the registrar-general written notice of the birth in accordance with subsection (2).
Maximum penalty:  5 penalty units.
	(2)	The notice must—
	(a)	include the particulars prescribed by regulation and be accompanied by any certificate required to be given to or by the relevant doctor under subsection (4); and
	(b)	be given to the registrar-general within—
	(i)	for a child born alive—7 days after the day of the birth; or
	(ii)	for a stillbirth—48 hours after the birth.
	(3)	In subsection (1):
responsible person means—
	(a)	if the child was born in a hospital or brought to a hospital within 24 hours after the birth—the chief executive officer of the hospital; or
	(b)	in any other case—the doctor or midwife responsible for the professional care of the mother at the birth.
	(4)	If the birth is a stillbirth, a relevant doctor must, within 48 hours after the birth, give a certificate of the cause of foetal death to—
	(a)	if the stillbirth was in a hospital or the body of the stillborn child was brought to a hospital within 24 hours after the birth—the chief executive of the hospital; or
	(b)	in any other case—the doctor or midwife responsible for the professional care of the mother at the birth.
Maximum penalty:  5 penalty units.
Note	If a form is approved under s 69 for a certificate, the form must be used.
	(5)	In subsection (4):
relevant doctor means—
	(a)	the doctor responsible for the professional care of the mother at the birth; or
	(b)	a doctor who examined the body of the stillborn child after the birth.
	(6)	An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
	(7)	Subsection (4) does not apply if the relevant doctor believed, on reasonable grounds, that another doctor had given the required certificate.
Division 2.2	Registration of births
6	Meaning of birth registration statement for div 2.2
In this division:
birth registration statement means a statement for this division.
Note	If a form is approved under s 69 for a statement, the form must be used.
7	When registration of birth is required or authorised
	(1)	If a child is born in the ACT, the birth is to be registered under this Act.
	(2)	The birth of a child may be registered under this Act if the child—
	(a)	is born outside Australia; and
	(b)	is to become a resident of the ACT.
	(3)	If a child is born in an aircraft during a flight to an airport in the ACT, the birth may be registered under this Act.
	(4)	The birth of a child who is born outside Australia may not be registered under this Act if it is registered under a corresponding law.
8	Responsibility to have birth registered
	(1)	The parents of a child are responsible for having the child’s birth registered under this Act.
	(2)	If a child is a foundling, the person who has custody of the child is responsible for having the child’s birth registered under this Act.
9	How to have the birth of a child registered
	(1)	A person has the birth of a child registered under this Act by signing and lodging with the registrar-general a birth registration statement that sets out the particulars that the registrar-general requires for the purpose of registering the birth.
	(2)	However, the registrar-general may accept a birth registration statement—
	(a)	that is signed by only 1 of the parents, if satisfied that it is not practicable to obtain the signature of the other parent; or
	(b)	that does not set out particulars required under subsection (1), if satisfied that it is not practicable to obtain the missing particulars.
	(3)	If the registrar-general accepts a birth registration statement for a child under subsection (2), a person’s obligation to have the child’s birth registered under this Act is taken to be discharged.
	(4)	The registrar-general must not accept a birth registration statement from a person who is not responsible for having a child’s birth registered under this Act unless the registrar-general is satisfied that—
	(a)	the person lodging the statement has knowledge of the particulars set out in the statement; and
	(b)	neither of the child’s parents is able or likely to lodge a birth registration statement.
	(5)	The registrar-general must not refuse to accept a birth registration statement only because it is not lodged within 60 days after the day of the birth.
10	Obligation to have birth registered	
	(1)	A person responsible for having the birth of a child registered must lodge a birth registration statement acceptable to the registrar‑general with the registrar-general within 60 days after the day of the birth.
Maximum penalty:  5 penalty units.
	(2)	An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
11	How births are registered
	(1)	The registrar-general must register a birth by making in the register an entry relating to the birth that includes the name of the child and, subject to section 14, the prescribed particulars.
	(2)	However, if not all the prescribed particulars are available to the registrar-general, the registrar-general may register a birth by including in the entry the prescribed particulars that are available to the registrar-general.
12	Name of child
The registrar-general must assign a name to a child if—
	(a)	the name stated in the birth registration statement is a prohibited name; or
	(b)	the birth registration statement is lodged by both parents of the child and they satisfy the registrar-general that they are unable to agree on the child’s name.
13	Dispute about child’s name
	(1)	If there is a dispute between the parents of a child about the child’s name, either parent may apply to the Magistrates Court for a resolution of the dispute.
	(2)	On an application under subsection (1), the Magistrates Court may—
	(a)	resolve the dispute about the child’s name as the court considers appropriate; and
	(b)	order the registrar-general to register the child’s name in a form specified in the order.
14	Registration of parentage details
On registration of a child’s birth, the registrar-general must not include information about the identity of a child’s parent in the register unless—
	(a)	the information is contained in a document lodged under section 5 in relation to the child; or
	(b)	the parents of the child apply for the inclusion of the information; or
	(c)	a parent of the child applies for the inclusion of the information and the registrar-general is satisfied that the other parent is dead or cannot join in the application because the other parent cannot be found or for any other reason; or
	(d)	a parent of the child applies for the inclusion of the information and the registrar-general is satisfied that the other parent does not dispute the correctness of the information; or
	(e)	the registrar-general is entitled under an Act or a law of a State, the Commonwealth or another Territory to make a presumption about the identity of a parent of the child; or
	(f)	the inclusion of the information is authorised by regulation.
15	Jurisdiction of Supreme Court to order registration of birth
The Supreme Court may, on the application of an interested person or on its own initiative, order—
	(a)	the registration of a birth; or
	(b)	the inclusion of information relating to a birth or a child’s parent in the register.
Division 2.3	Alteration of details of birth registration
16	Addition of details of parentage after registration of birth
	(1)	The registrar-general must include information about a child’s parent in the register after registration of the child’s birth if—
	(a)	the parents of the child apply for the inclusion of the information; or
	(b)	a parent of the child applies for the inclusion of the information and the registrar-general is satisfied that the other parent is dead or cannot join in the application because the other parent cannot be found or for any other reason; or
	(c)	a parent of the child applies for the inclusion of the information and the registrar-general is satisfied that the other parent does not dispute the correctness of the information; or
	(d)	the Supreme Court orders the inclusion of the information; or
	(e)	a court makes a finding that a particular person is a parent of the child; or
	(f)	the registrar-general is entitled under an Act or a law of a State, the Commonwealth or another Territory to make a presumption about the identity of a parent of the child; or
	(g)	the inclusion of the information is authorised by regulation.
	(2)	An application to the registrar-general for the addition of registrable information in the register must—
	(a)	be made in writing; and
	(b)	include the information required by the registrar-general; and
	(c)	if the registrar-general requires verification of the information in the application—be accompanied by a statutory declaration verifying the information and any other evidence that the registrar-general requires.
Note	The Statutory Declarations Act 1959 (Cwlth) applies to the making of statutory declarations under ACT laws.
	(3)	On application by an interested person, the Supreme Court may order that the register be amended—
	(a)	by omitting or adding specified information about a child’s parentage; or
	(b)	by adding information that relates to the marriage or civil partnership of the child’s parents.
	(4)	In this section:
information does not include information relating to a change of sex by a parent of the child.
Division 2.4	Substitute parent information
16A	Registration of parentage order
	(1)	If the registrar-general receives a sealed copy of a parentage order made under the Parentage Act 2004, section 26, the registrar-general must register the order.
	(2)	The registrar-general must keep an index of registered parentage orders.
	(3)	The registrar-general must bring this division to the notice of anyone providing information to the registrar-general about the birth of a child about whom a parentage order has been made.
16B	Re-registration of birth if parentage order made
	(1)	If the registrar-general receives a sealed copy of a parentage order mentioned in section 16A (1) for a child whose birth is registered under this Act, the registrar-general must re-register the birth of the child by entering in the register—
	(a)	particulars, from the copy of the parentage order, of—
	(i)	the child’s name after the order was made; and
	(ii)	the child’s sex, date and place of birth; and
	(iii)	the substitute parent or substitute parents of the child in whose favour the order was made; and
	(b)	a notation to the entry, signed and dated by the registrar-general, to the effect that the birth of the child is registered under this subsection.
	(2)	On re-registering the birth of a child under subsection (1), the registrar-general must sign and date a notation, written on the page of the register that contains the original entry of the birth, to the effect that the birth of the child has been re-registered under subsection (1) on a stated page of the register.
	(3)	If a parentage order relates to a child who has previously been adopted, the registrar-general must re-register the birth of the child as if the entry relating to the adoption were the original entry of the child’s birth.

Part 3	Change of name
    
17	Change of name by registration
A person’s name may be changed by registration of the change under this part.
18	Application to register change of adult’s name
A person who is an adult may apply to the registrar-general for registration of a change of the person’s name if—
	(a)	the person is domiciled or resident in the ACT; or
	(b)	the person’s birth is registered in the ACT.
Note 1	If a form is approved under s 69 for an application, the form must be used.
Note 2	A fee may be determined under s 67 for this section.
19	Application to register change of child’s name
	(1)	The parents of a child may apply to the registrar-general for registration of a change of the child’s name if—
	(a)	the child is domiciled or resident in the ACT; or
	(b)	the child’s birth is registered in the ACT.
Note 1	If a form is approved under s 69 for an application, the form must be used.
Note 2	A fee may be determined under s 67 for this section.
	(2)	An application for registration of a change in a child’s name may be made by 1 parent if—
	(a)	the applicant is the sole parent named in the register or in a register kept under a corresponding law or the law of any place outside Australia; or
	(b)	there is no other surviving parent of the child; or
	(c)	the Supreme Court has approved under subsection (3) the proposed change of name.
	(3)	The Supreme Court may, on application by a child’s parent, approve a proposed change of name for the child if satisfied that the change is in the child’s best interests.
	(4)	The Supreme Court must not dispose of an application under subsection (3) unless satisfied that the registrar-general has been notified of the application.
	(5)	If the parents of a child are dead, cannot be found or for some other reason cannot exercise their parental responsibilities to a child, the child’s guardian may apply for registration of a change of the child’s name.
Note	A fee may be determined under s 67 for this section.
20	Registration of change of name
	(1)	The registrar-general must register a change of name.
	(2)	However, the registrar-general must not register a change of name unless satisfied—
	(a)	of the identity and age of the person whose name is to be changed; and
	(b)	that the change is not sought for a fraudulent or other improper purpose; and
	(c)	if the application is under section 19 and relates to a child who is at least 14 years old—that the child consents to the change of name or cannot understand the meaning or implications of the change of name.
	(3)	Also, the registrar-general may require the applicant to provide any evidence that is necessary to satisfy the registrar-general—
	(a)	that any particular or information set out in the application is correct; or
	(b)	of any matter mentioned in subsection (2).
	(4)	The registrar-general must register a change of name if satisfied that the name of a person whose birth is registered in the ACT has been changed under a law of the Commonwealth or a corresponding law or by order of any court in Australia.
	(5)	Subject to subsection (4) and section 19 (3), the registrar-general must not register a change of name if, as a result of the change, the name would become a prohibited name.
21	Change of name entries in register
	(1)	This section applies if the registrar-general registers a change of name for a person whose birth is registered in the ACT or under a corresponding law.
	(2)	The registrar-general must—
	(a)	either—
	(i)	if the person’s birth is registered in the ACT—alter the register by changing the person’s name in the entry relating to the person’s birth; or 
	(ii)	if the person’s birth is registered under a corresponding law—notify the relevant registering authority of the change of name; and
	(b)	include in the register any particulars prescribed by regulation.
Note	A fee may be determined under s 67 for this section.
	(3)	Any birth certificate issued by the registrar-general for the person must show the person’s name as changed.
22	Change of name may still be established by repute or usage
This part does not prevent a change of name by repute or usage.

Part 4	Change of sex
    
23	Definitions for pt 4
In this part:
sexual reassignment surgery means a surgical procedure involving the alteration of a person’s reproductive organs that is carried out—
	(a)	for the purpose of assisting a person to be considered to be a member of the opposite sex; or
	(b)	to correct or eliminate an ambiguity relating to the sex of the person.
transsexual person means a person whose record of registration of birth has been altered under section 26.
24	Application to alter register to record change of sex
	(1)	A person may apply to the registrar-general for alteration of the record of the person’s sex in the registration of the person’s birth if—
	(a)	the person is at least 18 years old; and
	(b)	the person’s birth is registered in the ACT; and
	(c)	the person has undergone sexual reassignment surgery.
Note 1	If a form is approved under s 69 for this provision, the form must be used.
Note 2	A fee may be determined under s 67 for this provision.
	(2)	The parents or guardian of a child may apply to the registrar-general for alteration of the record of the child’s sex in the registration of the child’s birth if—
	(a)	the child’s birth is registered in the ACT; and
	(b)	the child has undergone sexual reassignment surgery.
	(3)	However, an application under subsection (2) may be made by 1 parent if—
	(a)	the applicant is the only parent named in the register; or
	(b)	there is no other surviving parent of the child.
	(4)	An application under this section must set out, or be accompanied by, the particulars prescribed by regulation.
25	Evidence in support of application
An application under section 24 must be accompanied by—
	(a)	a statutory declaration by each of 2 doctors verifying that the person in relation to whom the application is made has undergone sexual reassignment surgery; and
	(b)	any other documents and information that are prescribed.
26	Alteration of register
On receipt of an application under section 24, the registrar-general must—
	(a)	make the required alteration to the register; or
	(b)	refuse to make the required alteration.
27	Issue of birth certificates
	(1)	A birth certificate issued by the registrar-general in relation to a transsexual person must show the person’s sex in accordance with the record as altered.
	(2)	The registrar-general may issue a birth certificate showing a transsexual person’s sex before the alteration of the record if application for the certificate is made—
	(a)	by the person; or
	(b)	by a child of the person; or
	(c)	by a person specified by regulation.
	(3)	A birth certificate mentioned in this section must not include any word or statement to the effect that the person to whom the certificate relates has changed sex.
28	Use of old birth certificate to deceive
	(1)	A person commits an offence if—
	(a)	the person produces a birth certificate to someone else that shows a transsexual person’s sex before the record was altered; and
	(b)	the person produces the certificate with intent to deceive.
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.
	(2)	It is not a defence to a prosecution for an offence against this section that the document in relation to which the prosecution is brought refers to the defendant.
	(3)	In this section:
birth certificate includes—
	(a)	a copy of a birth certificate; and
	(b)	an extract from a birth certificate.
29	Effect of certificates issued in relation to transsexual people
	(1)	A birth certificate issued in relation to a transsexual person is, for the purposes of any territory law, conclusive evidence of the person’s sex as stated in the certificate.
	(2)	An interstate recognition certificate is, for the purposes of any territory law, evidence that the person mentioned in it is of the sex as stated in the certificate.
	(3)	In this section:
interstate recognition certificate means a certificate issued, under the law of a State or another Territory prescribed for this section, in relation to a person who has undergone sexual reassignment surgery.

Part 5	Registration of marriages
    
30	When registration of marriages is required
If a marriage is solemnised in the ACT, the marriage is to be registered under this Act.
31	How to have a marriage registered
A person may have a marriage registered by lodging with the registrar-general a certificate of marriage under the Marriage Act 1961 (Cwlth) or, if the marriage was solemnised before the commencement of that Act, any evidence of the marriage that the registrar-general may require.
32	How marriages are registered
The registrar-general must register a marriage by—
	(a)	including the marriage certificate as part of the register; or
	(b)	including in the register the particulars of the marriage that are prescribed.

Part 5A	Civil partnerships
32A	Civil partnership—particulars of relationship
If the registrar-general registers a relationship as a civil partnership under the Civil Partnerships Act 2008, the registrar‑general must include in the register the particulars of the civil partnership prescribed by regulation.
32B	Civil partnership—particulars of termination
	(1)	This section applies if a civil partnership is terminated—
	(a)	under the Civil Partnerships Act 2008, section 10 (Termination by parties); or
	(b)	under that Act, section 11 (Termination by court order).
	(2)	The registrar-general must include in the register the particulars of the termination prescribed by regulation.
	(3)	Also, for a civil partnership terminated as mentioned in subsection (1) (a), the registrar-general must give each party to the civil partnership written notice that the civil partnership terminated on the date stated in the notice.
Note	If a form is approved under s 69 for this provision, the form must be used.
	(4)	For subsection (3), it is sufficient if the registrar-general sends the notice to the address for each party that is last known to the registrar.

Part 6	Registration of deaths
Division 6.1	When registration of deaths is required or authorised
33	When registration to happen
	(1)	This section has effect subject to section 34.
	(2)	If a person dies in the ACT, the death is to be registered under this Act.
	(3)	If a person dies in an aircraft during a flight to an airport in the ACT, the death may be registered under this Act.
	(4)	If—
	(a)	a person who is domiciled or ordinarily resident in the ACT dies outside Australia; or
	(b)	a person dies outside Australia leaving property in the ACT;
the death may be registered under this Act.
	(5)	The registrar-general is not required to register a death under subsection (3) or (4) if the death is registered under a corresponding law.
	(6)	If a child is stillborn, the child’s death is not to be registered under this part.
34	Circumstances in which deaths are not to be registered
	(1)	The registrar-general must not register a death unless the registrar‑general has been given—
	(a)	a notice under section 35; or
	(b)	a notice under the Coroners Act 1997, section 56; or
	(c)	a document issued, made or given under the law of a State, the Commonwealth, another Territory or any other place that the registrar-general is satisfied is equivalent to a document mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b).
	(2)	However, the registrar-general must register a death if satisfied—
	(a)	that a court of the Territory, a State, the Commonwealth or another Territory has found that a person whose death is not registered in the register died in the ACT; or
	(b)	that, having regard to the circumstances of the case, it is proper that the death be registered.
Division 6.2	Notification and registration of deaths
35	Notification of deaths by doctors
	(1)	A doctor must give the registrar-general written notice of the death and cause of death of a person within 48 hours after the death if the doctor—
	(a)	was responsible for the deceased person’s medical care immediately before the death; or
	(b)	examined the body of the deceased person after the death.
Maximum penalty:  5 penalty units.
Note	If a form is approved under s 69 for a notice, the form must be used.
	(2)	An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
	(3)	This section does not apply if the doctor believed, on reasonable grounds, that—
	(a)	another doctor had given the required notice; or
	(b)	the death had been reported to a coroner under the Coroners Act 1997.
36	Certificates of deaths subject to inquests
	If a death that is subject to a coronial inquest has been registered before a finding about the cause of death has been made, a death certificate issued before the coronial inquest is completed must be endorsed in the way that the registrar-general considers appropriate to indicate that fact.
37	Notification by funeral directors etc
	(1)	If a funeral director or someone else arranges for the disposal of human remains in the ACT, the person must, within 7 days after the day the remains are disposed, give the registrar-general a written statement containing as much of the following information as the person knows or can reasonably find out:
	(a)	the name and last home address of the deceased person;
	(b)	if the death was reported to a coroner—that fact;
	(c)	where and how the remains were disposed of;
	(d)	any other information required by regulation.
Maximum penalty:  5 penalty units.
	(2)	If a funeral director or someone else arranges for human remains (other than cremated remains) to be removed from the ACT, the person must, within 28 days after the day the remains are disposed of outside the ACT, give the registrar-general a written statement containing as much of the following information as the person knows or can reasonably find out:
	(a)	the name and last home address of the deceased person;
	(b)	if the death was reported to a coroner—that fact;
	(c)	where and how the remains were disposed of; 
	(d)	any other information required by regulation.
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.
	(3)	If a funeral director or someone else has the custody of human remains that have not been disposed of within 30 days after the day of the death, the person must give the registrar-general a written statement containing as much of the following information as the person knows or can reasonably find out:
	(a)	the name and last home address of the deceased person;
	(b)	if the death was reported to a coroner—that fact;
	(c)	any other information required by regulation.
Maximum penalty:  10 penalty units
	(4)	An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
	(5)	In this section:
disposal, in relation to human remains, means—
	(a)	cremation; or
	(b)	burial, including burial at sea; or
	(c)	placing the remains in a mausoleum or other permanent resting place; or
	(d)	placing the remains in the custody of an educational or scientific institution for the purpose of medical eduction or research; or
	(e)	removal from the ACT, unless the remains have been cremated.
funeral director means a person who carries on the business of arranging for the disposal of human remains.
human remains includes the remains of a stillborn child.
38	How deaths are registered
	(1)	The registrar-general must register a death by making in the register an entry about the death that includes the particulars prescribed by regulation.
	(2)	However, if not all the prescribed particulars are available for the registrar-general, the registrar-general may register the death by including in the entry the prescribed particulars that are available to the  registrar-general.

Part 7	The register and other records
Division 7.1	Keeping the register
39	The register
	(1)	The registrar-general must maintain a register or registers of registrable events.
	(2)	The register—
	(a)	must contain the particulars of each registrable event required under this or any other Act to be included in the register; and
	(b)	may contain any further information that is authorised by this Act or a regulation.
	(3)	The register may be completely or partly in the form of a computer database, in documentary form or in any other form that the registrar-general considers appropriate.
	(4)	The registrar-general must maintain the indexes to the register that are necessary to make the information in the register reasonably accessible.
40	Correction of register
	(1)	The registrar-general may correct the register—
	(a)	to reflect a finding made on an inquiry under division 7.2; or
	(b)	to bring an entry about a particular registrable event into conformity with the most reliable information available to the registrar-general of the registrable event.
	(2)	The registrar-general must, if satisfied that, in view of a finding of a court, an entry in the register is incorrect, correct the register in accordance with the finding.
	(3)	A correction of the register is effected by adding or cancelling an entry or by adding, altering or deleting a particular contained in an entry.
	(4)	In this section:
court means a court of the Territory, the Commonwealth, a State or another Territory.
Division 7.2	Inquiries
41	Registrar-general’s powers of inquiry
	(1)	The registrar-general may conduct the inquiries that the 
registrar-general considers appropriate to find out—
	(a)	whether a registrable event has happened; or
	(b)	particulars of a registrable event; or
	(c)	whether particulars of a particular registrable event have been correctly recorded in the register.
	(2)	The registrar-general may, by notice given to a person who, in the registrar-general’s opinion, may be able to provide information relevant to an inquiry under this section, require the person to answer a specified question or to provide other information within a time and in a way specified in the notice.
	(3)	A person commits an offence if the person fails to comply with a notice given to the person under subsection (2).
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.
Note	The Legislation Act, s 170 and s 171 deals with the application of the privilege against selfincrimination and client legal privilege.
	(4)	An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
Division 7.3	Access to, and certification of, register entries
42	Access to register
	(1)	A person may apply to the registrar-general for—
	(a)	access to the register; or
	(b)	the provision from the register of the information stated in the application.
Note	A fee may be determined under s 67 for this section.
	(2)	The registrar-general may give the applicant access to the register, or give the applicant any of the stated information that is available, if satisfied that—
	(a)	the applicant has an adequate reason for wanting the access or the information; and
	(b)	the giving of the access or information is in accordance with the statement of policies under section 46.
	(3)	The access or information—
	(a)	must be given subject to the conditions stated in the statement of policies under section 46; and
	(b)	may be given subject to any other conditions that are reasonable and necessary to protect the privacy of anyone to whom an entry in the register relates.
	(4)	In deciding, for subsection (2) (a), whether an applicant has an adequate reason, the registrar-general must have regard to—
	(a)	the nature of the applicant’s interest; and
	(b)	the sensitivity of the information to be accessed or provided; and
	(c)	the use to be made of the information.
	(5)	The registrar-general may also have regard to any other relevant consideration.
	(6)	In this section:
information does not include information that may be applied for under section 43.
43	Search of register
	(1)	A person may apply to the registrar-general for a search of the register for an entry about a particular registrable event.
Note	A fee may be determined under s 67 for this section.
	(2)	The registrar-general may search the register for the entry if satisfied that—
	(a)	the applicant has an adequate reason for wanting the information; and
	(b)	the giving of the information is in accordance with the statement of policies under section 46.
	(3)	In deciding whether an applicant has an adequate reason, the registrar-general must have regard to—
	(a)	the matters mentioned in section 42 (4); and
	(b)	the relationship (if any) between the applicant and the person to whom the information relates; and
	(c)	the age of the entry; and
	(d)	the contents of the entry.
	(4)	The registrar-general may also have regard to any other relevant consideration.
44	Protection of privacy
In providing information extracted from the register, the registrar-general must, as far as practicable, protect a person to whom the entry in the register relates from unreasonable intrusion into his or her privacy.
45	Issue of certificates
	(1)	On completing a search of the register under section 43 (2), the registrar-general must issue a certificate—
	(a)	certifying the particulars contained in an entry that, having regard to subsection (2) and section 44, may be provided; or
	(b)	certifying that no entry was located in the register about the relevant registrable event.
	(2)	For subsection (1) (a), if an entry in the register includes the word ‘illegitimate’, or any other term indicating that a child was born outside marriage, the entry is taken not to include the word or term.
46	Access policies
	(1)	The registrar-general must maintain a written statement of the policies on which, and of any conditions subject to which—
	(a)	access to the register is to be given or denied under section 42; or
	(b)	information from the register is to be provided or refused under section 42 or section 43.
	(2)	The registrar-general must give a copy of a statement under subsection (1) to a person who requests it—
	(a)	in person or by telephone during normal business hours; or
	(b)	by mail or electronic means.
Division 7.4	Additional information and services
47	Registrar-general may collect other information
	(1)	The registrar-general may establish and maintain records of information, other than registrable information, relating to registrable events.
	(2)	Records maintained under this section must be kept separately from the register.
	(3)	The registrar-general may include information in the records maintained under this section at the request of a person interested in the registrable event to which the information relates or on the registrar-general’s own initiative.
48	Additional services
	(1)	The registrar-general may enter into an agreement or arrangement with a person for the provision of services in relation to the discharge of a function under this Act.
Note	A provision of a law that gives an entity (including a person) a function also gives the entity the powers necessary and convenient to exercise the function (see Legislation Act, s 196 (1) and dict, pt 1, def entity).
	(2)	The services that may be provided under subsection (1) include, but are not limited to, the provision of—
	(a)	information in the form of a decorative certificate or other document; or
	(b)	information from records maintained under section 47; or
	(c)	information, whether from the register or from records maintained under section 47, prepared in a form that facilitates historical or genealogical research.
	(3)	The registrar-general may charge, for the provision of a service under this section, the fee that is agreed with the recipient of the service.
	(4)	A fee under subsection (3) is not required to bear any relationship to—
	(a)	the cost of providing the relevant service; or
	(b)	any fee determined under section 67 (Determination of fees).
	(5)	An agreement or arrangement under subsection (1) is taken, because of this subsection, to include provisions to the effect that—
	(a)	the registrar-general must not provide any service unless satisfied that the person to whom it is to be provided has an adequate reason for wanting it; and
	(b)	for the purpose of deciding whether a reason is adequate for paragraph (a), the registrar-general is to have regard to the matters set out in section 42 (3) (a) to (d); and
	(c)	section 44 is to apply to the provision of a service that relates to the records maintained under section 47.
Division 7.5	Offences
50	Unauthorised access to, or interference with, register
A person commits an offence if the person—
	(a)	does any of the following:
	(i)	obtains access to the register, records maintained under section 47 or information contained in the register or those records; 
	(ii)	makes, alters or deletes an entry in the register or those records; 
	(iii)	interferes with the register or those records in any other way; and
	(b)	does so without the registrar-general’s authority.
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.
51	Confiscation of forged etc instruments
	(1)	The registrar-general may confiscate—
	(a)	an instrument that purports to have been made for this Act or the repealed Act if the registrar-general believes, on reasonable grounds, that the instrument has a forged impression of the registrar-general’s signature or seal or is forged or falsified; or
	(b)	a certificate under this Act or the repealed Act about a registrable event if the entry in the register about the event has been cancelled or corrected since the issue of the certificate.
	(2)	If the registrar-general believes on reasonable grounds that a person has in his or her possession a certificate or other instrument mentioned in subsection (1), the registrar-general may—
	(a)	require the person to surrender the certificate or document immediately to the registrar-general; or
	(b)	by written notice sent to the person, require the person to surrender the certificate or document to the registrar-general within 14 days of the date of the notice.
	(3)	A person commits an offence if the person fails to comply with a requirement made of the person, or a notice given to the person, under subsection (2).
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.
Note	The Legislation Act, s 170 and s 171 deals with the application of the privilege against selfincrimination and client legal privilege.
52	Confiscation of erroneous or false instruments
	(1)	The registrar-general may confiscate a certificate or other instrument issued under this Act or the repealed Act in error or because of fraud.
	(2)	If the registrar-general believes on reasonable grounds that a certificate or other instrument issued under this Act or the repealed Act was issued in error or because of fraud, the registrar-general may—
	(a)	require the person who appears to have possession of the certificate or instrument to surrender it immediately to the registrar-general; or
	(b)	by written notice sent to the person who appears to have possession of the certificate or instrument, require the person to surrender it to the registrar-general within 14 days of the date of the notice.
	(3)	A person commits an offence if the person fails to comply with a notice given to the person under subsection (2).
Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.
Note	The Legislation Act, s 170 and s 171 deals with the application of the privilege against selfincrimination and client legal privilege.

Part 8	Administrative review
    
53	Review of decisions
	(1)	Application may be made to the administrative appeals tribunal for review of a decision of the registrar-general—
	(a)	assigning to a child a name under section 12 (a); or
	(b)	refusing to register a change of name under section 20 (2); or
	(c)	refusing to register a change of name under section 20 (5); or
	(d)	refusing to alter the register to record a change of sex under section 26 (b); or
	(e)	refusing to refund or remit the payment of a fee or part of a fee under section 68.
	(2)	If a decision mentioned in subsection (1) is made, the 
registrar-general must give written notice of the decision to the person affected by the decision.
	(3)	A notice under subsection (2) must be in accordance with the requirements of the code of practice in force under the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1989, section 25B (1).

Part 10	Miscellaneous
    
65	Certificate evidence
	(1)	A certificate or other instrument that purports to state information obtained by the registrar-general under this Act or the repealed Act is evidence of the matters stated in it if it purports—
	(a)	to be signed and sealed by the registrar-general; or
	(b)	to have attached to it, or be otherwise authenticated by, a facsimile of the registrar-general’s signature and seal produced by a stamp, machine imprint or any other method authorised by regulation.
	(2)	This section is subject to section 29 (Effect of certificates issued in relation to transsexual people).
66	Arrangements with States and other Territories
	(1)	The Minister may enter into an arrangement with the Minister responsible for the administration of a corresponding law providing for—
	(a)	the exercise by the registrar-general of functions of the registering authority under the corresponding law; or
	(b)	the exercise by the registering authority under the corresponding law of functions of the registrar-general under this Act; or
	(c)	a matter mentioned in subsection (3).
	(2)	If an arrangement is in force under this section—
	(a)	the registrar-general may exercise, to the extent authorised by the arrangement, but subject to any conditions of the arrangement, the functions of the registering authority under the corresponding law; and
	(b)	the registering authority under the corresponding law may exercise, to the extent authorised by the arrangement, but subject to any conditions of the arrangement, the functions of the registrar-general under this Act.
	(3)	An arrangement under this section may—
	(a)	provide for the establishment of a database in which information is recorded for the benefit of all the participants in the arrangement; or
	(b)	provide for access to information contained in the database; or
	(c)	provide for payments by or to participants in the arrangement for services provided under the arrangement.
Note	A provision of a law that gives an entity (including a person) a function also gives the entity the powers necessary and convenient to exercise the function (see Legislation Act, s 196 (1) and dict, pt 1, def entity).
67	Determination of fees
	(1)	The Minister may determine fees for this Act.
Note	The Legislation Act contains provisions about the making of determinations and regulations relating to fees (see pt 6.3).
	(2)	A determination is a disallowable instrument.
Note	A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
68	Power to remit fees
The registrar-general may, if satisfied that it is appropriate to do so, refund, or remit the payment of, any fee or part of a fee.
69	Approved forms
	(1)	The registrar-general may approve forms for this Act.
	(2)	If the registrar-general approves a form for a particular purpose, the approved form must be used for that purpose.
Note	For other provisions about forms, see the Legislation Act, s 255.
	(3)	An approved form is a notifiable instrument.
Note	A notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act.
70	Regulation-making power
	(1)	The Executive may make regulations for this Act.
Note	A regulation must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
	(2)	A regulation may make provision in relation to—
	(a)	the provision of copies of, or extracts from, entries in the register about relevant children; and
	(b)	the making, correction or cancellation of entries in the register about relevant children.
	(3)	A regulation may also prescribe offences for contraventions of a regulation and prescribe maximum penalties of not more than 10 penalty units for offences against a regulation.
	(4)	In this section:
relevant children—a child is a relevant child if a parentage order has been made about the child under the Parentage Act 2004, section 26.

Dictionary
(see s 2)
Note 1	The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions relevant to this Act.
Note 2	For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1, defines the following terms:
·	ACT
·	change
·	civil partnership
·	Commonwealth
·	doctor
·	exercise
·	fail
·	function
·	instrument (see s 14)
·	penalty unit (see s 133)
·	registrar-general
·	under.
adult—see section 4.
birth includes a stillbirth.
birth certificate means a certificate issued under section 27 (2) or section 45 certifying particulars contained in an entry in the register of a person’s birth.
birth registration statement, for division 2.2 (Registration of births)—see section 6.
child—see section 4.
corresponding law means a law of a State or another Territory that provides for the registration of births, deaths and marriages.
death does not include a stillbirth.
parents, of a child, means the parents jointly.
prohibited name means a name that—
	(a)	is obscene or offensive; or
	(b)	could not practically be established by repute or usage—
	(i)	because it is too long; or
	(ii)	because it consists of or includes symbols without phonetic significance in the English language; or
	(iii)	for any other reason; or
	(c)	includes or resembles an official title or rank; or
	(d)	is misleading because of similarity with the name of a body or organisation; or
	(e)	is, in the registrar-general’s opinion, undesirable; or
	(f)	is prohibited by regulation.
register means a register maintained under section 39.
registering authority means an authority responsible under a corresponding law for the registration of births, deaths and marriages.
registrable event means a birth, death, marriage, civil partnership, change of name or change of sex.
registrable information means information that is to be or may be included in the register.
repealed Act means the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages Act 1963.
sexual reassignment surgery, for part 4 (Change of sex)—see section 23.
stillbirth means the birth of a stillborn child.
stillborn child means—
	(a)	a child of at least 20 weeks gestation; or
	(b)	if it cannot be established reliably whether the period of gestation is more or less than 20 weeks—a child with a body mass of at least 400g at birth, who shows no sign of respiration or heart beat, or other sign of life, immediately after birth.
transsexual person, for part 4 (Change of sex)—see section 23.

Endnotes
1	About the endnotes
Amending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the amendment history.  Current modifications are not included in the republished law but are set out in the endnotes.
Not all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are annotated in the amendment history.  Full details of any amendments can be obtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.
Uncommenced amending laws and expiries are listed in the legislation history and the amendment history.  These details are underlined.  Uncommenced provisions and amendments are not included in the republished law but are set out in the last endnote.
If all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered provisions gives details of previous and current numbering.  
The endnotes also include a table of earlier republications.
2	Abbreviation key

am = amended	ord = ordinance	
amdt = amendment	orig = original	
ch = chapter	par = paragraph/subparagraph	
def = definition	pres = present	
dict = dictionary	prev = previous	
disallowed = disallowed by the Legislative 	(prev...) = previously	
Assembly	pt = part	
div = division	r = rule/subrule	
exp = expires/expired	renum = renumbered	
Gaz = gazette	reloc = relocated	
hdg = heading	R[X] = Republication No	
IA = Interpretation Act 1967	RI = reissue	
ins = inserted/added	s = section/subsection	
LA = Legislation Act 2001	sch = schedule	
LR = legislation register	sdiv = subdivision	
LRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996	sub = substituted	
mod = modified/modification	SL = Subordinate Law	
o = order	underlining = whole or part not commenced	
om = omitted/repealed	or to be expired	

3	Legislation history
Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1997 A1997-112
notified 24 December 1997 (Gaz 1997 S420)
s 1, s 2 commenced 24 December 1997 (s 2 (1)
remainder commenced 24 June 1998 (s 2 (3))
as amended by
Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration (Amendment) Act 1998 A1998-12
notified 25 June 1998 (Gaz 1998 S170)
s 1, s 2 commenced 25 June 1998 (s 2 (1))
remainder commenced 24 June 1998 (s 2 (2))
Artificial Conception Amendment Act 2000 A2000-51
notified 28 September 2000 (Gaz 2000 No 39)
s 1, s 2 commenced 28 September 2000 (IA s 10B)
remainder commenced 17 November 2000 (s 2 and Gaz 2000 No S65)
Legislation (Consequential Amendments) Act 2001 A2001-44 pt 35
notified 26 July 2001 (Gaz 2001 No 30)
s 1, s 2 commenced 26 July 2001 (IA s 10B)
pt 35 commenced 12 September 2001 (s 2 and see Gaz 2001 No S65)
Parentage Act 2004 A2004-1 sch 1 pt 1.4
notified LR 18 February 2004
s 1, s 2 commenced 18 February 2004 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.4 commenced 22 March 2004 (s 2 and CN2004-3)
Criminal Code (Theft, Fraud, Bribery and Related Offences) Amendment Act 2004 A2004-15 sch 2 pt 2.8
notified LR 26 March 2004
s 1, s 2 commenced 26 March 2004 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 2 pt 2.8 commenced 9 April 2004 (s 2 (1))
Health Professionals Legislation Amendment Act 2004 A2004-39 sch 5 pt 5.2
notified LR 8 July 2004
s 1, s 2 commenced 8 July 2004 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 5 pt 5.2 commenced 7 July 2005 (s 2 and see Health Professionals Act 2004 A2004-38, s 2 and CN2005-11)
Statute Law Amendment Act 2005 A2005-20 sch 3 pt 3.5
notified LR 12 May 2005
s 1, s 2 taken to have commenced 8 March 2005 (LA s 75 (2))
sch 3 pt 3.5 commenced 2 June 2005 (s 2 (1))
Criminal Code Harmonisation Act 2005 A2005-54 sch 1 pt 1.8
notified LR 27 October 2005
s 1, s 2 commenced 27 October 2005 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.8 commenced 24 November 2005 (s 2)
Civil Unions Act 2006 A2006-22 sch 1 pt 1.4
notified LR 19 May 2006
s 1, s 2 commenced 19 May 2006 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.4 never commenced
Note	Act repealed by disallowance 14 June 2006 (see Cwlth Gaz 2006 No S93)
Statute Law Amendment Act 2006 A2006-42 sch 3 pt 3.1
notified LR 26 October 2006
s 1, s 2 taken to have commenced 12 November 2005 (LA s 75 (2))
sch 3 pt 3.1 commenced 16 November 2006 (s 2 (1))
Regulatory Services Legislation Amendment Act 2008 A2008-5 pt 3
notified LR 15 April 2008
s 1, s 2 commenced 15 April 2008 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 3 commenced 1 July 2008 (s 2 and CN2008-7)
Civil Partnerships Act 2008 A2008-14 sch 1 pt 1.3
notified LR 15 May 2008
s 1, s 2 commenced 15 May 2008 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.3 commenced 19 May 2008 (s 2 and CN2008-8)
4	Amendment history
Long title
long title	am A2006-22 amdt 1.13 (A2006-22 rep before commenced by disallowance (see Cwlth Gaz 2006 No S93)); A2008-14 amdt 1.4
Name of Act
s 1	sub A2005-20 amdt 3.15
Dictionary
s 2	om R2 LRA
	ins A2005-20 amdt 3.16
Notes
s 3	om R2 LRA
	ins A2005-20 amdt 3.16
Meaning of adult and child
s 4	sub A2005-20 amdt 3.16
	am A2006-22 amdt 1.14 (A2006-22 rep before commenced by disallowance (see Cwlth Gaz 2006 No S93))
	def adult om A2005-20 amdt 3.16
	def authorised celebrant om A2005-20 amdt 3.16
	def birth om A2005-20 amdt 3.16
	def change om A2005-20 amdt 3.16
	def child om A2005-20 amdt 3.16
	def commencement of this Act om A2005-20 amdt 3.16
	def corresponding law om A2005-20 amdt 3.16
	def death om A2005-20 amdt 3.16
	def determined fee om A2001-44 amdt 1.339
	def disposal om A2005-20 amdt 3.16
	def doctor om A2005-20 amdt 3.16 (see also A2004-39 amdt 5.3)
	def funeral director om A2005-20 amdt 3.16
	def prohibited name om A2005-20 amdt 3.16
	def register om A2005-20 amdt 3.16
	def registering authority om A2005-20 amdt 3.16
	def registrable event om A2005-20 amdt 3.16
	def registrable information om A2005-20 amdt 3.16
	def registrar-general om A2005-20 amdt 3.16
	def repealed Act om A2005-20 amdt 3.16
	def stillbirth om A2005-20 amdt 3.16
	def stillborn child om A2005-20 amdt 3.16
Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc
s 4A	ins A2005-54 amdt 1.47
Notifications of births
div 2.1 hdg	(prev pt 2 div 1 hdg) renum R3 LA
Notification of births
s 5	am A2001-44 amdt 1.340, 1.341
	sub A2005-54 amdt 1.48
Registration of births
div 2.2 hdg	(prev pt 2 div 2 hdg) renum R3 LA
Meaning of birth registration statement for div 2.2
s 6	def birth registration statement sub A2001-44 amdt 1.342
When registration of birth is required or authorised
s 7	am A2005-20 amdt 3.17
How to have the birth of a child registered
s 9	am A2005-20 amdt 3.18; ss renum R6 LA (see A2005-20 amdt 3.19); A2005-54 amdt 1.49
Obligation to have birth registered
s 10	sub A2005-54 amdt 1.50
How births are registered
s 11	am A2005-20 amdt 3.20, amdt 3.21
Alteration of details of birth registration
div 2.3 hdg	(prev pt 2 div 3 hdg) renum R3 LA
Addition of details of parentage after registration of birth
s 16	am A2005-20 amdt 3.22; A2006-22 amdt 1.15 (A2006-22 rep before commenced by disallowance (see Cwlth Gaz 2006 No S93)); A2008-14 amdt 1.5
Substitute parent information
div 2.4 hdg	(prev pt 2 div 4 hdg) ins A2000-51 s 10
	renum R3 LA
Re-registration of parentage order
s 16A	ins A2000-51 s 10
	am A2004-1 amdt 1.16
Registration of birth if parentage order made
s 16B	ins A2000-51 s 10
	am A2004-1 amdt 1.17
Application to register change of adult’s name
s 18	am A1998-12 s 4; A2001-44 amdts 1.343-1.346
	sub A2005-20 amdt 3.23
Application to register change of child’s name
s 19	am A1998-12 s 5; A2001-44 amdts 1.347-1.350; A2005-20 amdt 3.24
Registration of change of name
s 20	am A2005-20 amdts 3.25-3.27
Change of name entries in register
s 21	am A1998-12 s 6; A2001-44 amdt 1.351, amdt 1.352
	sub A2008-5 s 19
Definitions for pt 4
s 23	def birth certificate om A2005-20 amdt 3.28
	def doctor om A2004-39 amdt 5.4
Application to alter register to record change of sex
s 24	am A1998-12 s 7; A2001-44 amdts 1.353-1.356
	sub A2005-20 amdt 3.29
	am A2006-22 amdt 1.16 (A2006-22 rep before commenced by disallowance (see Cwlth Gaz 2006 No S93)); A2008-14 amdt 1.6
Issue of birth certificates
s 27	am A2005-20 amdt 3.30
Use of old birth certificate to deceive
s 28	sub A2005-54 amdt 1.51
Effect of certificates issued in relation to transsexual people
s 29 hdg	sub A2005-20 amdt 3.31
Civil partnerships
pt 5A hdg	ins A2006-22 amdt 1.17 (A2006-22 rep before commenced by disallowance (see Cwlth Gaz 2006 No S93))
	ins A2008-14 amdt 1.7
Civil partnership—particulars of relationship
s 32A	ins A2006-22 amdt 1.17 (A2006-22 rep before commenced by disallowance (see Cwlth Gaz 2006 No S93))
	ins A2008-14 amdt 1.7
Civil partnership—particulars of termination
s 32B	ins A2006-22 amdt 1.17 (A2006-22 rep before commenced by disallowance (see Cwlth Gaz 2006 No S93))
	ins A2008-14 amdt 1.7
Termination of civil union
s 32C	ins A2006-22 amdt 1.17 (A2006-22 rep before commenced by disallowance (see Cwlth Gaz 2006 No S93))
When registration of deaths is required or authorised
div 6.1 hdg	(prev pt 6 div 1 hdg) renum R3 LA
Circumstances in which deaths are not to be registered
s 34	sub A2005-20 amdt 3.32
Notification and registration of deaths
div 6.2 hdg	(prev pt 6 div 2 hdg) renum R3 LA
Notification of deaths by doctors
s 35	am A2001-44 amdt 1.357, amdt 1.358; A2005-20 amdt 3.33
	sub A2005-54 amdt 1.52
Certificates of deaths subject to inquests
s 36	am A2005-20 amdt 3.34
	(2)-(4) exp 2 June 2005 (s 36 (4))
Notification by funeral directors etc
s 37	am A2005-20 amdt 3.35
	sub A2005-54 amdt 1.53
How deaths are registered
s 38	sub A2005-20 amdt 3.36
Keeping the register
div 7.1 hdg	(prev pt 7 div 1 hdg) renum R3 LA
The register
s 39	am A2005-20 amdt 3.37
	(5)-(7) exp 2 June 2005 (s 39 (7))
Inquiries
div 7.2 hdg	(prev pt 7 div 2 hdg) renum R3 LA
Registrar-general’s powers of inquiry
s 41	am A2005-54 amdt 1.54
Access to, and certification of, register entries
div 7.3 hdg	(prev pt 7 div 3 hdg) renum R3 LA
Access to register
s 42	am A2001-44 amdt 1.359, amdt 1.360
	sub A2005-20 amdt 3.38
Search of register
s 43	am A2001-44 amdt 1.361, amdt 1.362
	sub A2005-20 amdt 3.38
Issue of certificates
s 45	am A2005-20 amdt 3.39
Additional information and services
div 7 4 hdg	(prev pt 7 div 4 hdg) renum R3 LA
Additional services
s 48	am A2001-44 amdt 1.363; A2005-20 amdt 3.40
Offences
div 7.5 hdg	(prev pt 7 div 5 hdg) renum R3 LA
False representations
s 49	om A2004-15 amdt 2.18
Unauthorised access to, or interference with, register
s 50	sub A2005-54 amdt 1.55
Confiscation of forged etc instruments
s 51 hdg	sub A2004-15 amdt 2.19; A2005-20 amdt 3.41
s 51	am A2004-15 amdt 2.20; ss renum R5 LA (see A2004-15 amdt 2.21); A2005-20 amdt 3.42, amdt 3.44; pars renum R6 LA (see A2005-20 amdt 3.43); A2005-54 amdt 1.56
Confiscation of erroneous or false instruments
s 52 hdg	sub A2005-20 amdt 3.45
s 52	am A2005-20 amdts 3.46-3.48; A2005-54 amdt 1.57
Transitional provisions
pt 9 hdg	exp 2 June 2005 (s 64A (2))
Preliminary
div 9.1 hdg	(prev pt 9 div 1 hdg) renum R3 LA
	exp 2 June 2005 (s 64A (2))
Meaning of unregistered in pt 9
s 54	exp 2 June 2005 (s 64A (2))
Application of Act to unregistered events
s 55	exp 2 June 2005 (s 64A (2))
Births
div 9.2 hdg	(prev pt 9 div 2 hdg) renum R3 LA
	exp 2 June 2005 (s 64A (2))
Notifications of births
s 56	exp 2 June 2005 (s 64A (2))
Notification of registrable particulars
s 57	exp 2 June 2005 (s 64A (2))
Medical certificates of causes of stillbirths
s 58	exp 2 June 2005 (s 64A (2))
Changes of name
div 9.3 hdg	(prev pt 9 div 3 hdg) renum R3 LA
	exp 2 June 2005 (s 64A (2))
Applications
s 59	exp 2 June 2005 (s 64A (2))
Orders of Magistrates Court
s 60	exp 2 June 2005 (s 64A (2))
Deaths
div 9.4 hdg	(prev pt 9 div 4 hdg) renum R3 LA
	exp 2 June 2005 (s 64A (2))
Notifications of deaths by doctors
s 61	exp 2 June 2005 (s 64A (2))
Notifications by coroners
s 62	exp 2 June 2005 (s 64A (2))
Notifications of disposal of remains
s 63	exp 2 June 2005 (s 64A (2))
Offences
div 9.5 hdg	(prev pt 9 div 5 hdg) renum R3 LA
	exp 2 June 2005 (s 64A (2))
Avoidance of double jeopardy
s 64	exp 2 June 2005 (s 64A (2))
Expiry of part
div 9.6 hdg	ins A2005-20 amdt 3.49
	exp 2 June 2005 (s 64A (2))
Expiry etc
s 64A	ins A2005-20 amdt 3.49
	exp 2 June 2005 (s 64A (2))
Certificate evidence
s 65	sub A2005-20 amdt 3.50
Arrangements with States and other Territories
s 66	am A2005-20 amdt 3.51, amdt 3.52
Determination of fees
s 67	sub A2001-44 amdt 1.364
	am A2006-42 amdt 3.1
Approved forms
s 69	sub A2001-44 amdt 1.365
	am A2005-20 amdt 3.53; A2006-42 amdt 3.1
Regulation-making power
s 70	ins A2001-44 amdt 1.365
	am A2004-1 amdt 1.18
Acts repealed
sch	om R2 LRA
Dictionary
dict	ins A2005-20 amdt 3.54
	am A2006-22 amdt 1.18 (A2006-22 rep before commenced by disallowance (see Cwlth Gaz 2006 No S93)); A2008-14 amdt 1.8
	def adult ins A2005-20 amdt 3.54
	def birth ins A2005-20 amdt 3.54
	def birth certificate ins A2005-20 amdt 3.54
	def birth registration statement ins A2005-20 amdt 3.54
	def child ins A2005-20 amdt 3.54
	def corresponding law ins A2005-20 amdt 3.54
	def death ins A2005-20 amdt 3.54
	def doctor ins A2005-20 amdt 3.54
	om A2006-42 amdt 3.2
	def parents ins A2005-20 amdt 3.54
	def prohibited name ins A2005-20 amdt 3.54
	def register ins A2005-20 amdt 3.54
	def registering authority ins A2005-20 amdt 3.54
	def registrable event ins A2005-20 amdt 3.54
	am A2006-22 amdt 1.19 (A2006-22 rep before commenced by disallowance (see Cwlth Gaz 2006 No S93)); A2008-14 amdt 1.9
	def registrable information ins A2005-20 amdt 3.54
	def repealed Act ins A2005-20 amdt 3.54
	def sexual reassignment surgery ins A2005-20 amdt 3.54
	def stillbirth ins A2005-20 amdt 3.54
	def stillborn child ins A2005-20 amdt 3.54
	def transsexual person ins A2005-20 amdt 3.54
5	Earlier republications
Some earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to the publication order.  
Since 12 September 2001 every authorised republication has been published in electronic pdf format on the ACT legislation register.  A selection of authorised republications have also been published in printed format. These republications are marked with an asterisk (*) in column 1.  Electronic and printed versions of an authorised republication are identical. 

Republication No	Amendments to	Republication date	
1	A1998-12	31 July 1999	
2	A2000-51	15 December 2000	
3	A2001-44	12 September 2001	
4	A2004-1	22 March 2004	
5	A2004-15	9 April 2004	
6	A2005-20	2 June 2005	
7	A2005-20	3 June 2005	
8	A2005-20	7 July 2005	
9*	A2005-54	24 November 2005	
10	A2006-42	16 November 2006	
11	A2008-14	19 May 2008	

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