Western Australian Planning and Housing Minister John Carey surprised colleagues today when he disclosed in Parliament that he has anonymously donated sperm for five children. His revelation came during heated debates over the state’s proposed reforms to surrogacy and in vitro fertilisation laws.
Carey told MPs that he was initially approached by a couple while his mother was battling terminal brain cancer and had to decline. When the request came again, he agreed. “Thanks to current regulations, there are now five loving families who owe their joy to that decision,” he said.
WA remains the only Australian jurisdiction that bars same-sex couples and single men from accessing commercial or altruistic surrogacy. The legislation introduced in August seeks to remove those barriers, extend parental rights to more applicants and tighten safeguards around children’s welfare.
Opposition health spokesperson Libby Mettam challenged the bill for lacking explicit provisions to protect the rights of children born via surrogacy, warning of potential legal limbo for youngsters if a donor or surrogate withdraws consent later on. Supporters argue that the proposed framework—including mandatory counselling, background checks and a central register strike the right balance between inclusion and child safety.
Public reaction to Carey’s admission has been largely positive, with advocacy groups praising his candour and pointing to shifting family norms across the country. Victoria and NSW already allow single men and same-sex couples to become legal parents through surrogacy, and experts say WA’s reforms would bring uniformity and alleviate long application backlogs.
The bill now moves to a parliamentary committee, where lawmakers are expected to hear from legal and medical professionals before a final vote in October. If passed, WA’s revamped assisted-reproduction laws could take effect early next year, opening new pathways to parenthood for hundreds of West Australians.
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