The NSW Government will make a formal apology for forced adoption practices which occurred in New South Wales.
The report of the Senate Community Affairs Committee Inquiry into the Commonwealth contribution to former adoption policies and practices highlighted the devastating impact of forced adoption practices on many young women and their babies in earlier decades.
The apology will take place at Parliament House, located in Macquarie Street, Sydney on Thursday 20 September 2012 at 10.30am. It will be offered to the mothers, those who were adopted as children, fathers and the families in New South Wales who suffered from the harmful practices of the past.
For more information view the media release.
The NSW Government’s Apology will be given on Thursday 20 September at 10.30am in the Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament House on Macquarie Street, Sydney.
The Apology will be given at 10.30am. Given the number of people expected to attend, we suggest arriving by 10.00am.
Everyone who registers will be able to attend.
However, as this is an open invitation, registration does not guarantee a seat in the Parliamentary Galleries. Registration has been sought for seating and catering purposes.
Yes, people living interstate can attend as it is an open invitation to attend the Apology. We have asked people to register their interest to attend so that we have an indication of numbers for seating and catering purposes.
Invitations have not been sent as it is an open invitation to the Apology.
We have asked people to register their interest so that we have an indication of numbers for seating and catering purposes.
Contact details are not required as it is an open invitation. People planning to attend will not be contacted prior to the Apology on 20 September.
We have asked people to register their interest to attend so that we have an indication of numbers for seating and catering purposes.
Information about travelling to Parliament House is available here.
Parking is not available at Parliament House.
When you arrive at Parliament House you will go through a security area where you and your bags will be scanned.
Staff will then direct members of the public to their seats.
We recommend that those with access requirements arrive by 9.30am so that our staff can ensure they are in an appropriate location to view the Apology.
We have a number of arrangements in place to address specific needs.
Lifts are available for those unable to use stairs.
Seats will also be made available for support workers and carers.
Auslan interpreters will translate the Apology from the Strangers’ Dining Room and the Theatrerette.
After the Premier delivers the Apology on behalf of the NSW Government, Minister for Family and Community Services Pru Goward, Leader of the Opposition John Robertson, and Shadow Minster for Family and Community Services Barbara Perry will give short speeches.
Members of Parliament will be able to speak about the Apology if they wish during Private Members’ business.
If members of the public wish to speak to one another after the Apology is given, there will be an opportunity for this during morning tea in Parliament House, which follows the speeches.
After the Apology and speeches, morning tea will be available in the Strangers’ Dining Room in Parliament House for those who wish to stay.
For those who need to make travel arrangements, morning tea will conclude at 11.30am.
We understand that for many people, the formal Apology may cause distress.
Members of the public can receive information and emotional support in private rooms in Parliament House that have been set aside for this purpose.
To enquire about or obtain adoption information click here.
For information and support about past adoption practices, please contact the Post Adoption Resource Centre on (02) 9504 6788 (regional assistance 1300 659 814) or visit the website - www.bensoc.org.au/postadoption/
From Friday 21 September, a copy of the Apology will be available on www.facs.nsw.gov.au