11E. Do I tell? – STI/BBVs disclosure and consent laws reforms
Tracks
| Wednesday, September 16, 2026 |
| 11:20 AM - 12:50 PM |
| Albert |
Details
When does a person need to disclose an STI or blood-borne virus (BBV) to a sexual partner? How do evolving consent laws influence disclosure expectations? And what advice should clinicians provide when legal obligations, public health evidence and community perspectives do not always align?
Recent legal developments, including the widely discussed DPP v Marriott case in the ACT, have reignited debate about whether non-disclosure of an STI or BBV may affect the validity of sexual consent and the extent to which criminal law should regulate intimate relationships. The case has highlighted the uncertainty that can arise at the intersection of sexual consent, disclosure obligations, transmission risk, and public health policy.
This timely panel brings together community advocates, a legal expert, and a sexual health clinician to explore the complex and often controversial intersection of STI/BBV disclosure, consent and law reform. Through diverse perspectives and moderated questions and answers, panellists will examine how disclosure requirements affect stigma, relationships, health-seeking behaviour, access to testing and treatment, and the rights of people living with STIs and BBVs.
Speaker
Dr Ming Lee
Unit Director
Canberra Sexual Health Centre
Introduction and Framing
11:30 AM - 11:40 AMBiography
Dr Ming Lee is a Specialist in Sexual Health and HIV and the Director of the Canberra Sexual Health Centre, ACT, Australia. He also holds Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer appointments at Imperial College London, UK and the Australian National University School of Medicine and Psychology, Australia.
Jan De Bruin
ACT Legal Aid
Panel Member
11:40 AM - 12:20 PMBiography
Mr Joshua Anlezark
Chief Executive Officer
Meridian
Panel Member
11:40 AM - 12:20 PMBiography
Joshua Anlezark is CEO of Meridian with experience in community-controlled organisations working in HIV, sexual health and viral hepatitis. Joshua is a committed advocate for health equity, human rights, stigma reduction and evidence-based responses to complex issues.
Claire Hurst
NZ Herpes Foundation
Panel Member
11:40 AM - 12:20 PMBiography
Dr Ming Lee
Unit Director
Canberra Sexual Health Centre
Panel Member
11:40 AM - 12:20 PMBiography
Dr Ming Lee is a Specialist in Sexual Health and HIV and the Director of the Canberra Sexual Health Centre, ACT, Australia. He also holds Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer appointments at Imperial College London, UK and the Australian National University School of Medicine and Psychology, Australia.
ASRH Conference
11E. Questions & Discussion
12:20 PM - 12:45 PMBiography
Dr Ming Lee
Unit Director
Canberra Sexual Health Centre
Key Takeaways and Closing
12:45 PM - 12:50 PMBiography
Session Chair
Ming Lee
Unit Director
Canberra Sexual Health Centre
