Tasmania has taken a significant step towards addressing historical injustices by announcing a compensation scheme for mothers forced to give up their children for adoption. The state government will establish a redress program aimed at those who suffered trauma due to past adoption practices, marking a first for Australia.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff emphasized that the initiative is designed to offer support without the need for women to navigate the often daunting court system. “Our government is committed to ensuring affected mothers have access to financial assistance and support,” he stated. The Premier acknowledged the profound pain caused by historical forced adoption practices, declaring that the new scheme would provide an avenue for financial assistance and ongoing support.
Historical Context and Recommendations
The issue of forced adoptions in Tasmania has been under scrutiny for decades. A parliamentary committee in 1999 investigated past practices, particularly from 1958 to 1988. The findings revealed that many women experienced significant psychological trauma after giving birth under coercive circumstances, especially prior to the Adoption of Children Act 1968. The committee identified that these women’s experiences left them with “deep and unhealed psychological wounds.”
Among its recommendations, the committee called for free counselling services and a waiver of search fees for adoption records, aiming to facilitate healing for those affected.
Further investigation came from a 2012 Senate inquiry, which assessed the role of Commonwealth government policies in forced adoptions, particularly prevalent between 1951 and 1975. This inquiry estimated that between 140,000 and 150,000 adoptions occurred during this period, highlighting that the total number of individuals impacted was likely much higher. It revealed that mothers often faced coercion, deceit, and unethical practices, such as being drugged and physically restrained during the adoption process.
The Senate committee recommended a national apology, the establishment of specialized counselling services, and discussions with state and territory governments regarding potential redress schemes.
Government Response and Future Steps
In 2012, the Tasmanian House of Assembly issued an apology for past forced adoption practices, with bipartisan support. Members of parliament at that time spoke of the trauma inflicted on mothers, who were not given the opportunity for informed consent, nor allowed to see or hold their babies. The apology acknowledged the cruel and disrespectful treatment these women endured.
Attorney-General Guy Barnett has stated that the compensation scheme will be developed with input from the community. He emphasized the importance of creating a transition plan that takes into account the needs of those affected until the scheme is fully operational.
This initiative represents a crucial step towards rectifying the psychological and emotional damage inflicted on many Tasmanian mothers. By providing a supportive framework for compensation, the government seeks to acknowledge and address the historical injustices faced by these women, fostering a path towards healing and resolution.
