Cute koalas encourage Queensland parents to register their babies

A koala joey and its parents will travel the state to encourage Queensland parents to have their babies #RegisteredAndReadyToGo.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said the animated koalas are the faces of the new birth registration promotions by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (RBDM).

“They’ll spread the word about how important it is to register a baby’s birth before they’re eight weeks old,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“Many parents do not realise that hospital maternity units don’t automatically register their child’s birth.

“Our koala family will feature on flyers and postcards in maternity packs, and on posters in hospitals, community health centres, courthouses and Queensland Government Agent Program offices.

“We’ve also made it easier to register births online – it now only takes 20 minutes on your mobile phone, tablet or PC.

“Registration is free and it’s just as easy to do in person or by post.”

“Children need to be #RegisteredAndReadyToGo with a birth certificate to access health and other government services, to enrol in day care, kindy and school, and to join a sports team.

“Life with a new baby can be busy so we recommend parents purchase their child’s birth certificate at the same time as registering their birth.”

The Registry’s fun and colourful commemorative birth certificates are a great addition to any nursery, and feature Queensland’s flora and fauna — including the Great Barrier Reef’s clown fish and Far North Queensland’s Ulysses butterfly and turtle hatchlings — as well as popular baby nursery images including the best-selling teddy bear certificate.

Mrs D’Ath said parents can look out for some brand-new commemorative designs being released by the Registry in early 2020.

“Loyal fans of our Brisbane Broncos, North Queensland Cowboys and Gold Coast Titans can show their allegiance by purchasing their NRL team commemorative birth certificates,” she said.

“Funds raised through the sale of our commemorative footy certificates also help us to promote the importance of birth registration in our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”

For more information about birth registration, visit www.qld.gov.au/births or phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

ENDS

Media Contact:Richard O’Leary 0447155332