Dr WOODRUFF question to ATTORNEY-GENERAL, Mr BARNETT
A question from my constituent, Kate. The forced adoption of children in Tasmania harmed two people ‑ the mother and the child. The formal parliamentary apology that was made in 2012 rightly acknowledged the shared harm of this shameful government practice. The government acknowledges child adoptees were harmed and suffer lifelong grief, identity loss and unanswered questions. However, while the scheme provides real and meaningful recognition for mothers, justice remains unfinished, because children were excluded.
Your consultation on the redress had feedback from 97 mothers and 38 adoptees. Kate has been in contact with your office to seek an explanation as to why adult adoptees were ultimately excluded from the redress scheme, but she has yet to receive a reply. Attorney‑General, will you explain why adoptees were excluded from the scheme? Will you meet directly with Kate and other adult adoptees to hear their stories and experiences?
