21 May 2008
RUDD GOVERNMENT MOVES FORWARD ON INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTION
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today opened the inaugural meeting of the National Overseas Adoption Support Group, which was established by the Rudd Government to provide a voice for the intercountry adoption community.
At the meeting in Canberra, the Attorney outlined the progress being made by the Rudd Government on intercountry adoption, including:
- The successful renegotiation by the States and Territories of the Commonwealth-State Agreement for the Continued Operation of Australia’s Intercountry Adoption Program. Once the Agreement is finalised, a joint working group will be formed to progress issues such as the harmonisation of fees and procedures nationwide.
- The provision of an extra $200,000 in funding to help developing countries improve their overseas adoption programs.
These achievements come on top of the announcement in the budget that the baby bonus will be extended to adoptive families with children aged between two and sixteen from 1 January, 2009.
“We have made great progress, but there is still work to be done to ensure that Australia has a world-class framework for intercountry adoption. The combined experience represented on the Support Group will contribute valuable advice on improving the safety, accountability and efficiency of the process.” Mr McClelland said.
“The Rudd Government set-up the Support Group so it can exchange views and provide a national voice to the Commonwealth Government on the concerns of Australia’s intercountry adoption community.”
For people wanting more information about the steps being taken by the Government regarding intercountry adoption, the Attorney-General’s department has launched a new comprehensive website: www.ag.gov.au/intercountryadoption
The website draws together a wide range of sources, making it an ideal first step in seeking information about adopting a child from overseas.
Media Contact: Adam Sims 0419 480 224