The Commission invites comment on any matter covered by this reference or discussed in this paper. Specifically we would welcome your views about:

• the appropriateness of the guidelines for reform which we have stated;
• the function of the Registry. Does it provide a mere repository for statistical information and records of family histories or does it serve some more formal, legal purpose. Should the powers of the Principal Registrar change according to the function fulfilled by the Registry?
• whether there should be more or less, or any change in, the information required in relation to a birth or a death:
• whether a person claiming to be the father of an ex-nuptial child should be entitled to effect registration of the birth without having first to secure an acknowledgment of paternity from the mother or proving paternity in legal proceedings;
• how much freedom of choice should parents have in registering a surname for their child.
• whether the Principal Registrar should have a discretion to refuse registration of any forename or surname specified by the registering parent(s);
• the rules which should apply to resolve disputes between parents as to naming children;
• whether there should be any change to the current procedures for proof of change of name before the change can be recorded in the birth certificate;
• whether there should be any special rules concerning registration of change of particulars on birth certificates applying to transsexuals;
• whether there should be any restriction or relaxation on public and governmental access to recorded information in the register, including access by certificate and on-line computer.

Comments and submissions should be addressed to:

John McMillan
Secretary
New South Wales Law Reform Commission
Box 6 GP0
SYDNEY NSW 2001

Telephone: (02) 228 7213