<P> Initially registering a birth is done by a hospital through a "Birth Registration Statement" or similar, signed by appropriately licensed and authorised health professionals, and provided to the state or territory registry . Home births are permitted, but a statement is required from a registered midwife, doctor or 2 other witnesses other than the parents . Unplanned births require in some states that the baby be taken to a hospital within 24 hours . Once registered, a separate application (sometimes it can be done along with the Birth Registration Statement) can be made for a birth certificate, generally at a cost . The person named or a parent can apply for a certificate at any time . Generally, there is no restriction on re-applying for a certificate at a later date, so it could be possible to legally hold multiple original copies . </P> <P> The Federal government requires that births be also registered through a "Proof of Birth Declaration" similarly signed as above by a doctor or midwife . This ensures the appropriate benefits can be paid, and the child is enrolled for Medicare . </P> <P> The state or territory issued birth certificate is a secure A4 paper document, generally listing: Full name at birth, sex at birth, parents and occupation, older siblings, addresses, date and place of birth, name of the registrar, date of registration, date of issue of certificate, a registration number, with the signature of the registrar and seal of the registry printed and or embossed . Most states allow for still births to be issued a birth certificate . Some states issue early pregnancy loss certificates (without legal significance if before 20 weeks). Depending on the state, amendments are allowed to correct the certificate, add parents, recognising same sex relationships, changing the sex of the holder is also permitted in some states . </P> <P> The full birth certificate in Australia is an officially recognised identity document generally in the highest category . The birth certificate assists in establishing citizenship . Shorter and / or commemorative birth certificates are available, however are not generally acceptable for identification purposes . </P>

Who writes the name on the birth certificate