WHERE IS STATE ON RECOMMENDED FORCED ADOPTIONS APOLOGY?

A Matter of Leadership

Thursday, 24 May 2012

The Tasmanian Greens today continued their campaign for an Apology to those Tasmanian women, children and families affected by forced adoption policies of the past, calling for Labor to formally commit to a State Parliamentary apology.

Greens Children’s spokesperson Paul O’Halloran MP said that Tasmania still needed to provide a clear in-principle commitment to issue an apology, and then engage with all stakeholders to consult on the appropriate wording of the apology.

Mr O’Halloran also said that the Senate Committee report into the Commonwealth Contribution to Forced Adoption Practices, which was released in February this year, recommended that state and territory governments issue formal statements of apology.

“This is a matter of leadership. Standing up and acknowledging wrongs made in the past is the responsible an appropriate example that should be set by Tasmania’s leaders,” Mr O’Halloran said.

“This should be an issue on which all three Parties stand up and present a unified position to address past wrongs. That is the sign of leadership so crucial for healing and allowing those affected to move forwards.”

“While the Greens acknowledge that all Members would be genuine in their personal belief that these wrongs should be righted, we urge both the Premier and the Health Minister to formally commit to a State Apology, and then undertake inclusive consultation to determine the content of that Apology.”

“No one has disputed the pain, trauma and ongoing hurt that was caused by these horrific forced adoption practices of the 1950, 60s and 70s right up until 1980.”

“The Greens have proposed an inclusive and tri-partite process to consult and develop the Apology and we urge Ms Giddings and Ms O’Byrne to take that opportunity on behalf of the Tasmanian community,” Mr O’Halloran said.
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Children’s spokesperson