Making History
This page celebrates the milestones, advocacy and community efforts that have helped advance equality for queer parents and their families in Western Australia. From meetings with government and parliamentary engagement to national submissions, media campaigns and the successful reform of surrogacy and assisted reproductive technology laws, these moments reflect the collective work of families, allies and organisations committed to creating a fairer future for all families.
AHRC Roundtable
22 April 2026
Invited to participate in the Australian Human Rights Commission Pregnancy & Family Responsibilities Discrimination and Shared Care Roundtable with specific focus on the experiences of LGBTIQA+ parents and families.
OutInPerth: Rainbow Families Regional Growth
04 March 2026
OutInPerth story feature Rainbow Families of WA and the celebrate the work being done both regionally and nationally.
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SDS Dateline: IP and Dads Story
15 February 2025
SDS Dateline shares a story on IP’s Jay and Jeremy and parents Anthony and Jo.
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OutInPerth: National Survey
08 January 2026
OutInPerth feature the Rainbow Families national survey to encourage local participation.
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OutInPerth: ARTS Celebrtion
19 December 2025
OutinPerth story featuring the celebration event on the of reforms.
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Community Celebrate Reform
17 December 2025
Celebration of the passing of the ARTS 2025 Bill at Connections Night Club bring together supporters, advocates and members of parliament, including representation from the Liberals, Greens and Legalise Cannabis parties.
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Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA post
07 December 2025
Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA media story celebrating the advocacy work to create the reforms.
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OutInPerth podcast on Rainbow Families
07 December 2025
OutInPerth podcast promoting the community support provided by rainbow families.
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The West Australian: ARTS Reform
04 December 2025
The West Australian story on the reforms.
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9 News: ARTS Reform
04 December 2025
9 News TV story on the reforms and press conference.
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WAMN News: Full Press Conference
04 December 2025
WA Parliament Press Conference with speakers Minister Merridith Hammat MLA and advocate Paul Hadfield-Jia. Recorded by WAMN News on the steps of Parliament House.
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Greens WA Turn The Tide On Reform
04 December 2025
Greens Party and advocates photo at parliament house celebrating reforms - advocates and families with the Hon Dr Brad Pettitt MLC, Hon Sophie McNeill MLC, Hon Tim Clifford MLC and the Hon Jess Beckerling MLC. This bill would not have been possible without their incredible support.
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Premier Cook Radio Feedback
04 December 2025
Premier Cook in parliamentary session mentions the ABC Perth story that he listening to the ABC radio.
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ABC Listen Radio interview with host Nadia Mitsopoulous
04 December 2025
ABC Perth and ABC Listen Radio interview with host Nadia Mitsopoulous interviewing Paul Hadfield-Jia on the reforms.
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OutInPerth: ARTS Reform
04 December 2025
OutInPerth story on the passing of the legislation and advocate involvement.
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ABC News: ARTS Reform
03 December 2025
ABC News feature story on the passing of the reforms.
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Premier Cook’s Facebook Post On Reforms
04 December 2025
Premier Cook’s post on the new reforms and the impact on WA families.
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Premier Cook Annoucement
03 December 2025
Premier Cook media video celebrating the advocates that made the reforms happen.
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ARTS 2025 PASSED
03 December 2025
ART and Surrogacy 2025 Bill passed in the Upper and then Lower House. Advocates attended both sessions to see the legislation pass. We were then invited to celebrate with key stakeholders in Parliament House.
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Advocate Bronwyn meets Meredith
02 December 2025
Bronwyn was not only a regional WA surrogate, but she was also an outstanding advocate for change, meeting many MPs to share her story on how she helped a gay WA couple create their family.
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Parentage Orders for Both Parents
02 December 2025
Greens MP Jess Beckerling MLC raises questions in parliament regarding parentage agreements for parents with only one father on the birth certificate, giving the lived example of Paul Hadfield-Jia.
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Advocacy: Animal Justice MP Amanda Dorn
23 November 2025
During Pride WA Fair Day, we had the opportunity to say hello to Leader of the Animal Justice Party, Amanda Dorn MLC to advocate for reform support. Much of our conversations were with her office with Nathalie Bergon.
Surrogacy Seminar
15 November 2025
Dads attended the Growing Families Seminar guest speakers held in Perth, with fellow speakers and barristers Rachel Oakley and Marty Kavanagh.
Pride in Parliament
14 November 2025
Gay Dads and Rainbow Families invited to the WA Government Pride In Parliament event at WA Parliament House, recognising those that support the WA LGBTQIA+ community. Joanne Boyling founder of Playgroups with Pride found on display the first Rainbow Families event in cooperation with Living Proud in 2012.
City of Vincent Mayor Advocacy
29 October 2025
Meeting with the City of Vincent Mayor, Alison Xamon to discuss inclusivity of rainbow families at events.
ASAD Awards
25 October 2025
Australian Surrogacy and Donor Awards recognise Paul Hadfield-Jia withthe ‘WA Community Person of the Year Award’ and the ‘Australian Community Person of the Year Award’ for his community support.
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The West: Bill Delays
23 October 2025
The West Australian journalist Oliver Lane reaches out for comment on rumour of potential delays to upper house legislation due to additional bills requiring completion before the year end. Reaching out to the Department of Health, it is confirmed that ART and Surrogacy remains a priority.
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Equality Australia Petition
22 October 2025
Equality Australia launch a petition in partnership with GDWA and Rainbow Futures WA.
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Nationals Rob Horstman Confirms Support
21 October 2025
Nationals MP Hon Rob Horstman MLC during parliamentary speech confirms support for the bill.
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Vote to Committee
21 October 2025
ARTS 2025 failed to go to Committee 20 votes to 16 in the upper house.
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10 News: Greens Press Conference
14 October 2025
10 News story on the Greens Press Conference with advocates Jay and Paul.
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ABC News: Greens Press Conference
14 October 2025
ABC news story on the Greens Press Conference with advocates Jay and Paul outside Parliament.
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Greens Leader Reads Advocate Letter in Parliament
14 October 2025
Greens Leader Dr Brad Pettitt MLC in parliament reads letter submitted to the Legislative Council on the 10 October 2026 and gave thanks naming individuals and organisations that advocated.
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The West Australian: Advocates Ask For Respectful Debate
14 October 2025
The West Australian news story on advocates requesting upper house politicians for a respectful debate as the legislation moves into the Upper House.
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OutInPerth: ARTS Move to Upper House
13 October 2025
OutInPerth story on Rainbow Families reflecting on the ARTS bill moving to the upper house..
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88.5FM Radio: Beyond Labels
12 October 2025
Beyond Labels with Jeannie is a radio show on 88.5FM. Jeannie discusses the ART & Surrogacy reforms with advocate Paul Hadfield-Jia.
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Sky News: WA Reform
10 October 2025
Sky News story on the WA reforms. Dads Anthony and Paul talk about the implications of the reforms.
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Advocate Letter to Upper House MPs
10 October 2025
Advocate writes to the WA Upper House MPs requesting a respectful debate.
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Advocacy: Nationals MP Rob Horstman
10 October 2025
Advocating to Nationals Rob Horstman MLC for support of surrogacy law reform with regional Western Australians sharing their lived experienced of surrogacy.
Advocacy: Legalise Cannabis MP Brian Walker
09 October 2025
Advocating to Legalise Cannabis Party Leader, Dr Brian Walker MLC for support of surrogacy law reform in Western Australia where he confirms support for the bill. Minister Walker commenced responses to letters of his firm commitment to the reforms.
Advocacy: Animal Justice CoS Nathalie Bergon
08 October 2025
Advocating to the Animal Justice Party, Nathalie Bergon Chief of Staff for support of surrogacy law reform in Western Australia. Follow up meeting and confirmation that they will support the reforms.
Advocacy: Labor MP Parvinder Kaur
06 October 2025
Advocating to the Labor MP Parvinder Kaur MLC for support of surrogacy law reform in Western Australia.
Advocacy: Liberal MP Tjorn Sibma
06 October 2025
Advocating to the Liberals MP Tjorn Sibma MLC for support of surrogacy law reform in Western Australia. - Follow up meeting.
Sky News: Interviewing Advocates
01 October 2025
Sky News Australia meey with advocates Anthony and Paul in interview for Sky News.
See 10 October 2025 for posting of report.
Advocacy: Liberal MP Michelle Boylan
30 September 2025
Advocating to the Liberals MP Michelle Boylan MLC for support of surrogacy law reform in Western Australia.
Advocacy: Liberal MP Tjorn Sibma
24 September 2025
Advocating to the Liberals MP Tjorn Sibma MLC for support of surrogacy law reform in Western Australia. This was the first of two meetings.
SBS Insight: Surrogacy Reform
23 September 2025
SBS Insight invites parent Anthony Fisk to TV discussion regarding his experiences and the need for reform.
Advocacy: Nationals MP Scott Leary
19 September 2025
Advocating to Nationals Scott Leary MLA for support of surrogacy law reform in Western Australia.
Bill Passes Lower House 44:4
18 October 2025
The Bill passes the lower house with an outstanding 44:4 win, with the Greens enforcing the removal of the 2-year prison penalty.
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GDWA Announce: Lower House Passed
18 October 2025
GDWA confirm and celebrate the passing of the Bill in the lower House.
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The West Australian: Advocates Story
16 October 2025
The West Australian story regarding activist Nadeen Curran’s journey through surrogacy.
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Advocacy: Liberal MPs Basil Zempilas & Libby Mettam
18 October 2025
Advocating to Liberals MP Leader Basil Zempilas MLA, Libby Mettam MLA and Denise Rice Media Advisor for support of surrogacy law reform in Western Australia. Advocates request a respectful debate.
GDWA Partner with EA and Rainbow Futures WA
11 September 2025
Equality Australia and Rainbow Futures WA request GDWA join them to collaborate on surrogacy
Department of Communities Early Years Newsletter
02 October 2025
Rainbow Families feature in the Department of Communities Early Years Newsletter.
Advocacy: Animal Justice
10 September 2025
Advocating to the Animal Justice Party, Nathalie Bergon Chief of Staff for support of surrogacy law reform in Western Australia where they confirm support for the bill.
Advocacy: WA Nationals and Liberals
08 September 2025
Advocating to Nationals and Liberals with Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown and Rainbow Futures WA CEO Misty Farquhar and Natalie Latter. Nationals Party attendees included Rob Horstman MLC, Hon Julie Freeman MLC, Seb Schiano, Vishmi De Silva and Kirrillee Warr. Liberals Party attendees included Simon Ehrenfield MLC, Sandra Brewer MLA, David Bolt MLA, Adam Hort MLA, Jacques Lombard, Anna Bobczyk, Lilyan Rosiah.
Advocacy: Liberal MP Jonathan Huston
08 September 2025
Advocating to Liberals MP Jonathan Huston MLA for support of surrogacy law reform in Western Australia.
The Age News: Fathers Day
07 September 2025
The Age News features parents Ross and John as they share their parenting story on Father’s Day.
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Advocacy: The WA National Party
05 September 2025,
Advocating to the National Party including MPs Julie Freeman MLC, Scott Leary MLA, Peter Rundle MLA and Bevan Eatts MLA and staffers Seb Schiano, Lisa Logan and Kirrilee Warr.
Meeting Dept of Communites Early Years
04 September 2025
Department of Communities Early Years Team meeting to discuss options to raise awareness of Rainbow Families.
Advocacy: Labor MP Colleen Egan
01 September 2025
Advocating to Labor MP Colleen Egan MLA for support of surrogacy law reform in Western Australia.
ReGen Strategic Podcast
03 September 2025
The ART & Surrogacy reforms are discussed in this podcast from ReGen Strategic - breaking down legislation into lived experience.
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88.5FM Radio: Beyond Labels
31 August 2025
Beyond Labels with Jeannie is a radio show on 88.5FM. Jeannie discusses the ART & Surrogacy reforms with Michelle Maynard MLA from City of Swan.
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Speaker at Pride in Resources Wear it Purple Session
29 August 2025
Pride in Resources event guest speaker for Wear it Purple Day, talking about the importance of advocacy and reforms.
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Equality Australia Petition
26 August 2025
Equality Australia Petition release supporting the WA reforms.
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Advocacy: Labor MP Stephen Pratt
26 August 2025
Advocating to Labor MP Stephen Pratt MLC for support of surrogacy law reform in Western Australia.
Advocacy: Labor MP Ron Sao
22 August 2025
Advocating to Labor MP Ron Sao MLA for support of surrogacy law reform in Western Australia.
Linkwest Award the People’s Choice Award 2025
20 August 2025
Linkwest annual conference awarded Rainbow Families with the People’s Choice Award 2025.
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New Campaign to MPs
18 August 2025
Introduction of a new campaign to encourage the public to share their stories with their local MPs. This strategic approach led to stories being read by MPs in Parliament both Upper and Lower Houses across all parties during the debate. With over 240 letters sent
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9 News: Couple Waiting for Reform
15 August 2025
Mitchell and James tell their story of waiting for the forms so that they can start a family in WA.
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Rainbow Families Australia Statement
14 August 2025
Rainbow Families Australia media statement regarding the reforms and advocate involvement.
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SBS: Paul’s Story
13 August 2025
Paul proudly shares his story of becoming a parent through surrogacy.
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EA Story on Matt and Cale
13 August 2025
Equality Australia run media story on WA intended parents Matt and Cale Bryn-McLean
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Meredith Hammat Introduces ART & Surrogacy Reforms
13 August 2025
Government introduces the ART & Surrogacy reforms into government, with full community support.
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ABC: “Barbaric and Cruel” laws
12 August 2025
The ABC runs a story on why the reforms are so important to Western Australians.
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WAMN News: ART & Surrogacy Reforms Press Conference
12 August 2025
Premier Cook and the Hon Merredith Hammat informed the press of the introduction of the ART & Surrogacy reforms. Paul Hadfield-Jia from Rainbow Families and GDWA shared his story of why the reforms are so important to Western Australians.
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Positioning Surrogacy Reform with the Inclusion Strategy
23 July 2025
Hannah Beazley MLA’s team meeting - Rachel Sackville-Minchin, Chief of Staff and Alex Figg, Policy Advisor, to discuss the WA LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Strategy and the submission made by Rainbow Families.
Advocacy: Greens MP Tim Clifford
16 July 2025
Advocating to Greens Party MP Tim Clifford MLA and Hannah Fitch-Rabbit Research Officer for support of surrogacy law reform in Western Australia. Presenting a report on where the legislation falls in line with the Greens State and National policies.
Equality Australia Media Planning
11 July 2025
Equality Australia Tara Ravens meeting to propose media approach to WA stories with lived experience of surrogacy.
ALRC Surrogacy Reform Submission
30 June 2025
The Australian Law Reform Commission requested for feedback in relation to Surrogacy in order to make recommendations to government in July 2026. A submission was made on behalf of Gay Dads WA, sharing our lived experience.
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Rainbow Families Podcast on Inclusion Strategy
23 June 2025
Podcast of the Rainbow Families LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Strategy Survey submission released.
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Meeting the Legalise Cannabis Party
10 June 2025
Representatives of Gay Dads WA and Surrogacy WA met with the Hon Dr Brian Walker MLC Member of the Legislative Council in WA to share our lived experiences of surrogacy and the importance and impact of reform, asking for support with the upcoming reforms.
Monash Surrogacy Roundtable
29 May 2025
We had the opportunity to feed into a roundtable discussion hosted by Monash University regarding Surrogacy. Also in attendance was Rainbow Families Australia, Surrogacy Australia, Equality Australia, Growing Families Australia and many clinics, lawyers - such as Stephen Page and Rachel Oakeley - and many advocates. The information shared and discussed will help feed into the Australian Law Reform Commission Review of Surrogacy in Australia.
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WA Inclusion Strategy Submission
28 May 2025
On the 28 May 2025, Rainbow Families of WA (a collaboration between Gay Dads WA, Playgroups with Pride and Rainbow Families Australia), presented a report on rainbow families in WA. The report highlights the need for support of queer parents and their families.
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Ngala Engagement
20 May 2025
Ngala CEO Michelle Dillon and Rainbow Families Australia CEO Ashley Scott follow up meeting to discuss further partnership.
Meeting the Premiers Team
14 May 2025
The Premiers Team Meeting with Daniel Smith Chief of Staff, Luke Clarke Chief of Policy and Stacey Hearn Director of Social Policy. Premier Cook’s commitment to delivering the reforms in early 2025 were raised and discussion continued on us working with government to deliver the reforms. We made clear the government needed to honour that commitment and that failure to act would result in increased public advocacy and political pressure.
Equality Australia Support
14 May 2025
Equality Australia’s Heather Corkhill, Legal Director provides legislative direction to advocates in key issues to be considered in the legislative reforms.
Advocacy: Greens Leader Brad Pettit
7 May 2025
Representatives of Gay Dads WA and Surrogacy WA met with the Hon. Brad Pettit MLC, leader of the Greens Party in WA to share our lived experiences of surrogacy and the importance and impact of reform.
New Minister of Health Meeting
23 April 2025
Rainbow Australia, WA Surrogacy, and Gay Dads WA met with the new WA Minister for Health, the Hon. Merredith Hammat MLC, and her team.
The Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill, which includes important reforms to surrogacy laws, has not yet been confirmed for Parliament, but we are confident the reforms will be introduced to Parliament this year.
We are proud to be working alongside the Minister and her team at this critical stage. Together, we have committed to supporting the development, delivery, and advocacy of these reforms with key stakeholders and decision-makers.
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WA Surrogacy Reform Now Campaign
14 April 2025
A campaign was launched to government encouraging the implementation of the reforms now. The commitment was made by Premier Cook in November 2024. WA people spoke out, sending over 170 emails to our Premier and key people in parliament.
News Corp Story
04 March 2025
WA Surrogacy was featured in News Corp Australia's state mastheads:
Victoria: Herald Sun, New South Wales: The Daily Telegraph, Queensland: The Courier-Mail, South Australia: The Advertiser, Tasmania: The Mercury & Northern Territory: Northern Territory News
The WA story is gaining traction. It's time for change.
WA Voices Support our Campaign
14 February 2025
Within 4 weeks of introducing the surrogacy campaign, a staggering 3,400 emails were sent to WA politicians, asking them to support the proposed surrogacy reforms and help all Australians have their children on Australian Soil.
The Sunday Times, Your Say WA
09 February 2025
Response to Caitlyn Rintoul’s report on plummeting birth rates in Australia.
The West Newspaper
17 January 2025
Gay Dads WA give feedback on the proposed surrogacy reforms to be implemented mid 2025.
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OUT in PERTH Story
17 January 2025
Out In Perth raise the issue of much needed surrogacy reform in WA and Gay Dads WA advocacy for this.
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Channel 7 News
16 January 2025
GDWA were asked to give their views on the current surrogacy legislation for its proposed release mid 2025.
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WAs Commitment to Reform
15 January 2025
GDWA received a letter from the Hon. Amber-Jade Sanderson, WA Minister for Health, recognising the commitment and advocacy for legislative surrogacy reform. There was also acknowledgement of the disappointment in the delays. If Labor is re-elected then they will implement the reforms in the first half of 2025.
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Campaign To Allow WA to Have Children
11 January 2025
Gay Dads WA have created a campaign to inform and influence WA politicians to push through the much-needed surrogacy reforms to allow all Western Australians to have children through surrogacy on WA soil.
You can also have your say in this campaign by clicking on the link the picture.
Meeting with Premier Cook
26 November 2024
Gay Dads WA together with WA Surrogacy were invited to meet with Premier Cook and the Minister of Health, the Hon. Amber Jade Sanderson to discuss the surrogacy legislation being ‘swifty’ delivered after the election.
You can also have your say in this campaign by clicking on the link the picture.
Surrogacy & Donor Seminar
24 November 2024
GDWA were guest speakers at the Annual Perth Surrogacy and Donor Seminar hosted by Growing Families. Parents and our children, born through surrogacy, shared their stories at the event to inform and inspire intended parents on their own journey.
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Pride Parade 2024
23 November 2024
Gay Dads WA participated in the Perth Pride Parade for the third year, supported by our friends and families. The event was a great celebration with acceptance towards LGBTQIA+ parents and their families in the WA Community.
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Fairday Event
17 November 2024
GDWA partnered with Playgroups with Pride and Rainbow Families to host a tent at the annual Perth PrideFest Fairday event. It was an opportunity to showcase the support groups available to LGBTQIA+ parents and their families in WA.
Rainbow Families WA Pride Picnic
10 November 2024
Gay Dads WA collaborated with Playgroups with Pride, Rainbow Families, Parties Kids Remember, Graze Today, Walkenbook, Pride WA and the City of Bayswater to deliver an unforgettable family day event for the LGBTQIA+ community.
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ABC News - WA Gay Dads Story
13 October 2024
The ABC shared the story of Joel, a Western Australia (WA) based man, moving out of state due to the WA surrogacy laws, and the wonderful relationship he established with his Tasmanian based surrogate, Jesse. The current legislation forces Australians either out of state or overseas to fulfil their dream of becoming parents.
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Launch of Pride In Law WA Chapter
5 September 2024
Gay Dads WA were invited to the official launch of Pride in Law WA Chapter held at the Perth WA Supreme Court Building. Pride in Law is Australia’s first and only LGBTQIA+ Association for legal professionals.
The event was hosted by Thomas Wilson, President of the WA Chapter, with a keynote address by the Honourable Justice Kathleen (Kate) Glancy.
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Pride Professionals Guest Speaker
4 September 2024
Paul Hadfield-Jia, from Gay Dads WA, was asked to share his journey at a Pride Professionals networking event hosted at Gilbert + Tobin. The speech not only included his story of becoming a parent, but also talked about the need for legislative change and the advocacy work being conducted by the community.
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Community Joint Statement
29 August 2024
Lead by Equality Australia, Gay Dads WA joined the LGBTIQ+ communities across Australia to express our dismay and frustration at the federal government’s recent census decision.
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SBS Dateline
28 July 2024
Gay dads, Anthony and Joseph, share their story of how they had to navigate the horrific changes in Thai surrogacy laws during the birth of their daughter, and move to another country.
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National Families Week
19 May 2024
With the 2024 theme ‘Celebrating Family Diversity & Connections’, we hosted a community picnic event in Kings Park WA. We brought together Rainbow Families, Rainbow Families Western Australia, Western Australia Surrogacy Group, Gay Dads Western Australia, Playgroups With Pride WA and more, recognising how diverse families can be and the importance of community connections and sharing our stories.
Also attending on behalf of the Premiers Office, the Hon. Peter Foster MLC and on behalf of the Department of Health, the Hon. Pierre Yang.
Statement with Equality Australia
17 April 2024
GDWA with Equality Australia comment on WA Legislative Reforms:
“Gay Dads WA look forward to seeing the completion of the proposed Surrogacy reforms to allow better access to/through surrogacy, provide access to surrogacy to all genders in WA, and have birth certificates corrected to list both parents which will allow legislative protections for those children born through surrogacy.”
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WA Law Reforms
16 April 2024
With news surrounding the initial LGBTQIA+ reforms and the abolishment of the Gender Reassignment Board for Trans and Gender-Diverse Western Australians., the WA Government confirms its intention to make law reforms in ART and Surrogacy:
"The Government also remains committed to development of new legislation for assisted reproductive technology (ART) and surrogacy and intends to introduce reforms to Parliament as soon as possible".
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Meeting WA Premier Roger Cook
21 March 2024
GDWA with members of Surrogacy WA, had the honour of meeting the Western Australia Premier, Roger Cook, with Peter Foster MLC.
The Premier listened attentively to our stories and shared his compassion and determination for enabling Australians to have Australian children on Australian soil. He talked about the importance of families and community and his commitment to make legislative change for WA families.
It was an honour to have had this opportunity with the Premier and we, like so many other WA families, look forward to seeing the new laws that will impact future families and create protections for children born through surrogacy.
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Speaking to Members of Parliament
February 2024
During February 2024, we met with Bill Johnstone MLA, Stuart Aubrey MLA, Katrina Stratton MLA and Dr Jags Krishnan MLA, to share real life stories and advocate for law reform.
Sunday Times Letter
1 1 February 2024
Letter to the Sunday Times regarding the new WA Laws. Continuing to raise awareness of the inequalities in Western Australian children, born through international surrogacy agreements.
WA Roundtable
8 February 2024
GDWA was invited to a WA roundtable with Ruby Susan Mountford, Specialist Advisor for SOGII at the Australian Human Rights Commission and Anna Cody, Sex Discrimination Commissioner. The meeting had wide representation from the community including Pride WA, GRAI, Rainbow Futures WA, Youth Pride Network, WAAC, Living Proud, PFLAG WA, Queer Liberation Boorloo, Gay Dads WA, Avery Wright, David Goncalves and Alyce Schotte.
It was an great opportunity to share the views and ideas of diverse WA LGBTIQA+ individuals, families, and communities on the current challenges, threats, and opportunities facing us, and what changes are needed to remove discrimination and prejudice.
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Community Coming Together
January 2024
GDWA received outstanding support from our community base in promoting the campaign. Including Rainbow Futures WA, Rainbow Families WA, Perth & Southern Perth Gay Guys, Perth Rainbow Community, Perth LGBTI+ Community, Perth Queer Community, Playgroups With Pride WA, Gay Intended Dads Australia, Western Australia Surrogacy Group, Rainbow Families of Perth, Pride In Law, Growing Families and more
Pride In Law Support
31 January 2024
Pride In Law, a nationwide Australian LGBTQIA+ group, reflected on the need for legislative change in WA and raised how GDWA have been major advocates in the surrogacy space.
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Petition for Awareness
30 January 2024
Western Australians struggle for surrogacy rights. All we want is to be able to raise a child in a stable and loving home. If you are in support the changes then please click on the picture and help spread the word.
Sky News on WA Laws
29 January 2024
Brad, his partner Trent and barrister Rachel Oakley speak out on Sky News on the outdated laws and discrimination in WA.
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Sky News Australia - The Pope’s Statement
9 January 2024
Sam Everingham speaks out to Sky News Australia about the Pope’s comments on Surrogacy and the inequality in Western Australia.
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Meetings with WA Ministers
December 2023
Gay Dads WA meet with a range of WA Ministers to raise awareness of the ‘All Kids are Equal’ Campaign and the need to support the new WA Surrogacy Legislation. Meetings occurred with the Minister of Finance Hon. Sue Ellery, representatives of the Minister of Health, Hon. Stephen Dawson and Hon. Peter Foster.
Perth Now PrideFEST
25 November 2023
GDWA were featured on Perth Now as part of the recording of the parade. We were 5th in the Perth Parade line up.
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PrideFEST 2023 Parade
25 November 2023
GDWA doubled it’s participants in this year’s Pride Parade. It was a great opportunity for Gay Dads and their Supports to shine, and also great fun for the kids too.
Rainbow Futures WA Support
20 November 2023
Rainbow Futures WA announce an update on the advocacy for legislative change within WA, mentioned GDWA support for Surrogacy and ART change.
Click on the picture for more information.
City of Bayswater Event
19 November 2023
The City of Bayswater and Steam Haus Café invite Gay Dads WA to talk about their personal journeys to becoming and being gay parents, providing guidance and support for other intended parents.
Pride in Parliament
16 November 2023
Representatives of GDWA were invited to attend the launch of ‘Parliamentary Friends of LGBTQIA+ Community’ at Parliament House in WA. The event brought together many of the WA community groups including Rainbow Labor, Pride WA, Living Proud, GRAI, Rainbow Futures WA, PFLAG, Frontrunners and VicPark Pride, just to name a few.
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Surrogacy Seminar
2 November 2023
Representatives from Gay Dads WA participated in the Annual Perth Surrogacy Seminar led by Sam Everingham of Growing Families.
We were very proud to see some of our children speak about their own experiences and views of being born through surrogacy.
Rainbow Futures WA
8 September 2023
GDWA partnered with Rainbow Futures WA to promote awareness and advocate for change in WA Surrogacy Legislation.
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Pride WA Support
6 August 2023
Pride WA, together with the City of Perth, continue to support GDWA by allowing our community to utilise their office space for our family event, as well as to raise awareness of our group within the wider community.
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Meeting the WA Health Minister
6 August 2023
GDWA held a social event at the Pride WA offices, bringing together prospective gay dads and gay dads with children. The event had entertainers providing face painting, balloon twisting, games, book reading with food and drinks.
There was a special visit from the Western Australia Health Minister, Amber-Jade Sanderson, showing her support for our community group.
Click on the picture for more information.
ABC On-Air
5 August 2023
Craig and Stephen from Gay Dads WA spoke to the ABC about how the changes to the WA surrogacy laws will impact them as potential parents., and how the changes are very welcomed.
Marty Kavanagh shares his views about how the new laws will allow legal recognition of parents that had their children through international surrogacy.
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ABC Online
5 August 2023
Marty Kavanagh, Family Lawyer and long-standing advocate for GDWA, talks about how the new laws will allow the legal recognition of parents, that had their children through international surrogacy.
Craig and Stephen from Gay Dads WA talk to the ABC about how the changes to the WA surrogacy laws will impact them as potential parents.
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ABC Radio
25 May 2023
With the announcement of reforms to WA surrogacy legislation, Lucas from GDWA talks on Perth Radio about how these changes are welcomed by the community as well as telling us about the wonderful journey he and his husband experienced as new parents.
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Podcast Stories
23 May 2023
Gay Dads WA had the opportunity to talk about the joys of parenting and the current challenges of being a parent within Western Australia. This fun and informative podcast can be listened to on the ‘We Need Therapy’ Podcast Series.
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Website Launch
28 April 2023
The GDWA webpage was created to raise community awareness and acceptance of queer families and to give people, regardless of gender, guidance on starting their own family journeys, if the traditional route isn’t an option.
The site was created with the support of Pride WA.
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Pride March
26 November 2022
GDWA, for the first time, participated in the Perth PrideFEST march. We had gay dads, their families and supporters march and received and incredibly warm welcome from the crowd. Our intention was to raise awareness and acceptance of gay dads and their families in the community.
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Change Petition
13 October 2022
GDWA participated in an e-petition to influence positive changes for queer people in the WA community, in particular in relation to queer families.
Rainbow Talks
14 November 2020
Dr Greg Chang and Marty Kavanagh participate in the Perth PrideFEST 2020 Rainbow Talks. Greg shared his story on surrogacy while Marty gave an overview of the current legislation within WA.
WA Submission
16 March 2018
Gay Dads WA, together with Marty Kavanagh, made a submission to the Government of Western Australia Department of Health regarding the WA Human Reproductive Technology Act 1991 and the Surrogacy Act 2008 with the aim of encouraging reforms to the Acts that are inclusive and fair.
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Nine News
13 January 2018
Michael and Brendon share their story of their journey to surrogacy through Canada with Nine News, with the McGowan government considering changes to Western Australia Surrogacy Laws.
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Perth Now
4 September 2017
Milton and Choon featured in Perth Now and the Southern Gazette to talk about their parenting journey through fostering. Their two boys have remained in their care and they continue to grow into well rounded individuals.
Key Asset WA introduced Milton and Choon to fostering and are strong supporters of LGBTQIA+ parenting.
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Sunday Times
21 May 2017
Gay Dads WA members, Anthony and Joseph featured in the Sunday Times to talk about their love for their family while advocating for uniform surrogacy laws in Australia.
At this time, Western Australia legislation is the only state in Australia whose legislation actively discriminates against gay men to stop them participating in altruistic surrogacy arrangements. People seeking to participate in international commercial surrogacy are not automatically formally recognised as parents in the state of WA.
Anthony and Joseph were also strong advocates for Australian Marriage Equality.
Sunday Times Magazine
28 September 2012
Founders of Gay Dads WA, Greg and Mark, feature in the Western Australian, Sunday Times Magazine. They share their journey of becoming parents and their love for their child.
Since the release of this article in 2012, Greg and Mark are now the proud parents to four beautiful girls.
