NSW Waives Fees For Medical Record Searches
Paul O’Halloran MP
Greens Member for Braddon
Monday, 17 September 2012
The Tasmanian Greens today called for the Children’s Minister Michelle O’Byrne to follow New South Wales by waiving fees to access medical records for parents and adopted children affected by forced adoption practices.
Greens Children’s spokesperson Paul O’Halloran MP said that as Tasmania prepares to make an official apology to people affected by forced adoption, the Minister should be looking at ways to provide practical assistance.
“It is well past time that the State shouldered some of the responsibility for supporting those who have had their lives shattered by forced adoption,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“An apology is a crucial first step, but the next step is to explore ways to help those affected by forced adoption continue the healing.”
“Many people have come into our office and said that, after finally summoning the courage to face the task of trying to track down family members, they have found it difficult and costly to find the information they need.”
“Waiving the cost of accessing medical records is the least the State can do to ensure that those affected by forced adoption are given the services they need to continue the healing,” Mr O’Halloran.
The Tasmanian apology is scheduled to take place on October the 18th.
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Member for Braddon Monday, 17 September 2012
