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Adoption Practices in New South Wales

Adoption Practices in New South Wales

The Committee will consider adoption practices in New South Wales from 1950 to 1998. However, the primary emphasis of the Inquiry will be on the practices occurring before the introduction of the Adoption Information Act 1990. These terms of reference were referred to the Committee by the Honourable Faye Lo Po' MP, Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Minister for Women.
Referred by House with authority to review material from previous committee—25 May 1999, 1st Session, Minutes No. 4, p 83. That the Standing Committee on Social Issues inquire into, and report on: the professional practices in the administration and delivery of adoption and related services, particularly those services relating to the taking of consents, offered to birth parents and children in New South Wales from 1950 to 1998; whether adoption practices referred to in clause one involved unethical and unlawful practices or practices that denied birth parents access to non adoption alternatives for their child; and if so, what measures would assist persons experiencing distress due to such adoption practices.

That the Standing Committee on Social Issues inquire into, and report on: the professional practices in the administration and delivery of adoption and related services, particularly those services relating to the taking of consents, offered to birth parents and children in New South Wales from 1950 to 1998; whether adoption practices referred to in clause one involved unethical and unlawful practices or practices that denied birth parents access to non adoption alternatives for their child; and if so, what measures would assist persons experiencing distress due to such adoption practices.


The Parliament of New South Wales acknowledges and respects the traditional lands of all Aboriginal people, and pays respects to all Elders past and present. We acknowledge the Gadigal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which the Parliament of New South Wales stands.