Forced adoptions inquiry shifts focus to Mildura

Forced adoptions inquiry shifts focus to Mildura

A parliamentary inquiry into responses to historical forced adoptions is turning its attention to north-west Victoria.

The Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee is holding a public hearing in Mildura on Tuesday 20 July.

The Committee would like to hear from mothers, adopted people and other community members in the area who would be willing to share their experiences.

“We know it is not just mothers and adopted people, there are fathers and other children across regional Victoria who live with the detrimental impacts of forced adoption and it’s vitally important we hear from all of them,” Committee Chair Natalie Suleyman said.

“The evidence and insight people with lived experience can provide will be invaluable as the Committee considers findings and recommendations for government.”

Community members who want to speak at the hearing should register their interest with the Committee by phoning 8682 2843 or emailing lsic.assembly@parliament.vic.gov.au.

The Committee has so far heard from many mothers and adopted people who were victim to forced adoption policies and practices which predominantly took place between the 1940s and 1980s in Australia, but also occurred outside of this time period.

Representatives of support services and government related agencies have also appeared before the Committee throughout the public hearing phase of its inquiry.

Regional Victoria has been an important focus for the Committee, with several hearings already held across the state, including at Kangaroo Flat, Geelong and Wodonga.

To view full transcripts and other information related to the inquiry visit the Committee’s website.

Issued: 23 June 2021