ACT Government delivers forced adoptions apology

Where are the Tasmanian Liberals?

Tuesday, 14 August 2012

The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed the ACT Government’s apology to people affected by past forced adoption practices, and renewed the call for a tripartisan approach toward developing and delivering a Tasmanian apology.

Greens Children’s spokesperson Paul O’Halloran said that the silence from Liberal Leader Will Hodgman as to whether the Liberals would support a State Apology, as well as participate in the development process, was deeply concerning.

“The ACT has taken a big step toward making amends with those affected by the terrible legacy of forced adoption, with Chief Minister Katy Gallagher delivering a moving and compassionate apology on behalf on behalf of her government,” Mr O’ Halloran said.

“Tasmania will soon be moving down the same road, and the Greens are believe that all three party Leaders should commit to a constructive and collaborative approach to drafting an apology.”

“A State Apology is not just about accepting responsibility for past wrongs, but it is also a public commitment to learn from those wrongs and making sure they aren’t repeated.”

“We firmly believe the community wants all three Leaders to work together on what is an important social policy issue that transcends party politics and requires leadership.”

“The affected mothers and adoptees know they will receive it from the Greens and Labor, but for some reason they are still being made to wait to hear from the Liberal Leader whether he is prepared to make the same commitment on behalf of his party.”

“This issue surely deserves being put above partisan politics and attempts at point scoring.”

“On behalf of the Greens I repeat our offer to Mr Hodgman to work with us in a genuine and collaborative manner to do the best possible by the thousands of women and adoptees for the suffering they have endured.”

Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Children’s Spokesperson