Australia
Australian Parliament
On March 21, 2013, Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, delivered a heartfelt apology to those affected by forced adoption on behalf of the Australian government. This momentous occasion is widely regarded as the first time a high-ranking government official formally apologized for forced adoption worldwide.
On March 21, 2023, the national apology’s 10th anniversary, she commemorated it.
Timeline Leading Up To The Apology
The Australian parliament began formally investigating their complicity in forced adoptions in 2010. They conducted research and listening sessions to hear from women and adult adopted persons before issuing the apology.
2010
The Australian Institute of Family Studies published a report in March 2010: Impact of past adoption practices
2012
The Senate Community Affairs References Committee published their report in February 2012: Commonwealth Contribution to Former Forced Adoption Policies and Practices. It included recommendations for a national apology and ways the government could assist those affected by forced adoption.
2013
Immediately following the national apology, the government’s response to the recommendations of the Senate report was announced which included allocating $11.5 million over four years to support those affected by forced adoption. Five million was dedicated to improve access to specialist support services including counseling and record tracing for those affected by forced adoptions. Learn more