Injustice at Its Worst: Outrageous Spending and Insufficient Support
The $700 Per Minute Premier’s Christmas Event
Introduction:
On the 21st of March 2023, Australia will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the National Apology for Forced Adoptions. The apology was a significant step towards acknowledging the injustices experienced by mothers, fathers, and adoptees who were forcibly separated during the period of forced adoption policies in Australia. However, while the apology was a critical moment in acknowledging past wrongs, it’s essential to reflect on the disparities in resource allocation for human rights issues, particularly when it comes to supporting those affected by forced adoptions.
The Disparities in Resource Allocation:
The Australian Government’s response to the Senate Inquiry recommendations highlighted the lack of adequate support provided to those affected by forced adoptions.
While the government committed $11.5 million over four years to assist those affected by forced adoptions, this amounts to just $46 per adoptee for 4 years up to the end of 2017 and nothing past.
Additionally, this funding ceased after June 2017, leaving many adoptees without access to much-needed resources and support. This disparity in funding allocation highlights the systemic and structural injustices faced by adoptees and their families.
Contrastingly, the Premier of Queensland’s 2022 Christmas Event cost $64,000 for just 90 minutes equating to $700 per minute, with the Hon Leanne Linard, Minister for Children and Youth Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs attending.
It’s concerning that such large sums of money can be spent on frivolous events, especially when many people in society are struggling with basic needs such as housing, healthcare, and education. These statistics reveal stark disparities in the way resources are allocated and prioritised towards Forced Adoption and society a large.
The Long-Lasting Effects of Forced Adoption Policies:
Forced adoption policies had long-lasting effects on those affected, including adoptees, their parents, and extended families. Many adoptees face significant challenges in accessing their biological family histories, which can have a significant impact on their identity and mental health. Additionally, many Mothers who were forced to give up their children continue to experience trauma and grief. It’s crucial to understand the long-lasting effects of forced adoption policies and commit to providing ongoing support and resources to those affected.
The Need for Ongoing Advocacy and Law Reform:
The disparities in resource allocation for human rights issues highlight the need for ongoing advocacy and law reform. We must continue to demand that governments prioritize the well-being and support of vulnerable populations, such as adoptees and their families. This includes providing access to resources such as counselling, family tracing services, and funding for research and support groups. It’s also crucial to advocate for changes in adoption laws to ensure that all parties involved in the adoption process have access to adequate information and support.
Conclusion:
As we approach the 10th anniversary of the National Apology for Forced Adoptions, it’s essential to reflect on the disparities in resource allocation for human rights issues. While the apology was a significant step towards acknowledging past wrongs, we must continue to advocate for ongoing support and resources for those affected by forced adoptions. This requires a commitment to providing ongoing support, resources, and law reform to ensure that all parties involved in the adoption process have access to adequate information and support.
It’s poignant to note the act of changing policy doesn’t cost money, but rather a willingness to prioritise and allocate resources appropriately. The outrageous spending on frivolous events, such as the Premier’s Christmas Event, only serves to highlight the stark disparities in resource allocation for human rights issues. As a society, we must demand better and commit to supporting the most vulnerable members of our community. By doing so, we can work towards rectifying the injustices of the past and building a more equitable and just society for all.
It’s not going to hurt anyone if adoptees ask for two simple things that would ease the burden and their mental health:
- The issuance of Birth Certificates that state the correct relationship between guardians and birth parents. Past and current process remove any mention of biological family and implies that the adoptive family gave birth to the adoptee. This is how adoptive parents get away with not telling adoptive children that they’re adopted. Many people do not know that this is still a standard policy in today’s adoptions.
- Ease of access to no fault no fee discharges, so those of failed adoptions like myself are able to return to their family of origin. This would avoid going through extreme, unnecessary trauma, time and time again through lengthy excessively expensive court proceedings.
