Apology for past forced adoption practices

On 27 November 2012, the Premier, the Honourable Campbell Newman MP, made an historic apology for past forced adoption policies and practices in Parliament, on behalf of the Queensland Legislative Assembly.

The apology reflected the recommendation made on 29 February 2012 by the Australian Government Senate Committee Inquiry on the Commonwealth Contribution to Former Forced Adoption Policies and Practices that a formal statement of apology be issued by the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments to people affected by forced adoptions.

During its deliberations, the Committee held a public hearing in Brisbane in April 2011 and heard evidence from individuals and stakeholder groups about the impacts of forced adoption practices of the past. The inquiry heard the very real, and for many, lifetime consequences that resulted from forced adoption policies and practices in Queensland, particularly for mothers and their children.

It is hoped that the official apology will help to:

• ease some of the pain felt by people affected by past policies and practices and will help to facilitate the healing process.
• make other Queenslanders aware of the history of forced adoption and the impact of past policies and practices on those who have been affected.

Where can I see the apology

• Read the text of the apology
• Read the text of the apology
• Read the Hansard transcript of the apology and Parliamentary speeches

A commemorative copy of the signed apology is on display at Parliament House. You can view the display by entering through the Parliamentary Annexe, Alice Street, Brisbane, and asking Parliament House staff (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday). Find out more about visiting Parliament House.

A commemorative book featuring comments from people who attended the apology, along with a signed copy of the apology, can be viewed at the State Library of Queensland (John Oxley Library, Level 4), South Bank (10am to 5pm daily). Find out more about visiting the State Library.

A DVD of the apology is also available upon request. You can order a copy of the DVD from Adoption Services by phone 1800 647 983 or email.

Memorial to acknowledge past forced adoption practices

A permanent memorial was created to acknowledge people affected by past forced adoption practices in Queensland. The memorial is located in the Memorial Corner of Roma Street Parkland in Brisbane.