Special Reference Group for National Apology
the national apology is a key recommendation
of the Senate Committee Report into the Commonwealth Contribution to Former
Forced Adoption Policies and Practices (the Report) released on 29 February
2012, and will be delivered on behalf of the nation as a significant step in
the healing process of those affected. I would like to assure you that the
views and experiences of those affected by past adoption practices, like
yourself, will be closely considered in the development of the national
apology.
A special Reference Group has been
established to help develop the timing and nature of the apology. The Group
comprises Parliamentarians and representatives of those affected by the
adoption practices, including three mothers, a father and two adoptees. The
Reference Group held meetings on 16 August and 19 September 2012. Your concerns
and suggestions will also be passed onto the Chair of the Reference Group for
the Group’s consideration at future meetings.
In your email you make particular
mention of birth certificates and certificates of registration. One of the key
recommendations from the Senate Committee Report is that “all jurisdictions adopt
integrated birth certificates, that these be issued to eligible people upon
request, and that they be legal proof of identity of equal status to other
birth certificates, and jurisdictions investigate harmonisation of births,
deaths and marriages register access and the facilitation of a single national
access point to those registers”. The Government is considering this
recommendation along with the Report’s other recommendation and will provide a
full response to the Report in early 2013.
Further information on the
composition and work of the Reference Group, as well as the Government’s
response to the Report, is available on our website. If you would like to be kept informed
about the Government’s development of the apology please email forcedadoptionsapology@ag.gov.au
to be added to the mailing list
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