From today, Wednesday 1 July, the ACT Government will remove fees for people updating their registered sex, making it easier to access identity documents that reflect who they are.

Fees will also be waived for related applications made for gender affirmation purposes, including name changes, updating recognised details and reissuing certificates.

These changes remove a financial barrier that has been identified by the community as limiting access to essential identity documentation.

The ACT is proudly the second jurisdiction in Australia to introduce these reforms.

The changes form part of the ACT Government’s broader commitment to equality and non‑discrimination, including actions under the Capital of Equality Strategy.

More information on fees is available on the Access Canberra website.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Human Rights Tara Cheyne:

“Improving access to accurate identity documentation will make a meaningful difference for trans and gender diverse Canberrans.

“This reform is about fairness, dignity and inclusion, and builds on reforms from last term to remove barriers to gender recognition for, and promote the rights of, transgender, gender diverse and intersex people through amendments to the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services Suzanne Orr:

“Canberra prides itself on being the Capital of Equality and this reform supports that commitment by making essential documentation more accessible for our community.”