On 22 June 2011, Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) submitted a formal complaint to the United Nations (UN) regarding the ongoing practice of involuntary sterilisation of girls and women with disabilities in Australia. On 18 July 2011, the United Nations wrote to the Australian Government requesting a formal response in relation to WWDA’s formal complaint. The letter from the UN requested the Government provide detailed information on a number of matters. On 12 August 2011, the Australian Government responded to the UN, saying it would provide a full response to the request by 17 October 2011. However, on 30th September 2011, the Australian Government provided a further letter to the UN, saying it would be delaying its response until 16 December 2011. WWDA has been unable to locate any record of the Australian Government providing a final response. In this context, on 5th September 2012, WWDA wrote to the Australian Attorney-General seeking clarification on a number of issues in relation to this matter. This is a copy of WWDA’s letter to the Attorney-General (Hon Nicola Roxon) and includes a copy of the United Nations July 2011 letter to the Australian Government, plus a copy of the Australian Government’s responses to the UN (12 August 2011, and 30th September 2011). Copyright WWDA September 2012.
