Page 5117 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 27 October 2010
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Leave granted.
MS BURCH: I move:
(1) Omit paragraph (1)(c), substitute:
“(c) the Australian Institute of Family Studies’ ‘Impact of Past Adoption Practices’ report has been released and that a cost-shared budget submission was agreed to by the ACT Government in June 2010 to progress a national research study to build on the Australian Institute of Family Studies’ review;
(d) the extent and impact of past adoption practices needs to be understood to inform the development of an appropriate response for those affected. The Australian Institute of Family Studies’ review is the first step in building this evidence base; and
(e) similar practices probably occurred in the ACT during the Commonwealth Government Administration of the Territory;”.
(2) Omit paragraph (4), substitute:
“(4) calls on the ACT Government to:
(a) apologise on behalf of the ACT Legislative Assembly and the community to those ACT residents who have been affected by forcible removal practices; and
(b) support initiatives that assist young parents and their children.”.
I have moved an amendment to Ms Hunter’s motion to recognise the significant contribution of the ACT government through the Community and Disability Services Ministers Conference. In June 2010, the ministers agreed to a joint national research study into past adoption practices to be conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies. This built on the Impact of past adoption practices report which highlights the potential for lifelong consequences for the lives of both the woman and child, as well as others, such as the mother’s family, the father and the adoptive parents and their families. The Australian Institute of Family Studies is consulting widely in conducting a further study with a report to be delivered to the ministers by the end of 2011.
The ministers agreed to a further research study to assist adoption and other legal options for achieving permanency and enhancing outcomes for children. This will include an examination of legislation across the jurisdictions related to decision making for children unable to remain with their birth parents on a long-term basis. I look forward to updating members on the outcome of this work, as it will contribute to the evidence base on past adoption practice which will then inform how governments respond to those affected.
In relation to the amendment to change the direction of this motion to call on the government to apologise on behalf of the Assembly and the community to those
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