FGM penalties increased in NSW

An organisation working to address the health needs of migrant women in New South Wales has welcomed the state government's decision to increase penalties for people convicted of performing female genital mutilation.

The state government has announced that the maximum sentence for the offence will be increased from seven years to 21 years.

In addition, taking someone overseas to undergo the procedure will become an offence, also attracting a maximum sentence of 21 years.

Doctor Eman Sharobeem is the president of the Immigrant Women's Health Service.

Doctor Sharobeem has told Santilla Chingaipe, the announcement sends a tough message that FGM is wrong.

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