Queensland’s Hypocrisy
Adoptee Advocacy and the Government’s Empty Promises
In the midst of Multicultural Queensland Month and various government programs and initiatives, it is crucial to shed light on the glaring hypocrisy exhibited by the Queensland government regarding its unresponsive stance towards adoptee advocacy. For decades, adoptees have fought tirelessly for their rights, yet the state governments across the nation seem to be doing the bare minimum, offering nothing more than lip service. It is time to expose the government’s hollow promises and demand genuine action for the countless adoptees who continue to suffer in silence.
The Disregard for Birth Certificates:
One would assume that in the 21st century, birth certificates would accurately reflect the relationship between guardians and birth parents. However, the archaic and insensitive policies surrounding adoption have persisted, stripping adoptees of their rightful heritage and perpetuating the deception that adoptive parents gave birth to them. This deliberate erasure of biological family ties enables adoptive parents to withhold the truth from their children, denying them a fundamental aspect of their identity. It is a shameful policy that is still enforced today, despite its psychological and emotional consequences.
The Need for Accessible Discharges:
For those who have experienced failed adoptions like myself, the journey back to our family of origin is marred by unnecessary trauma and exorbitant costs due to the lack of accessible discharges. Adoptees face prolonged court proceedings, draining them physically, emotionally, and financially. The government’s indifference to this issue only perpetuates the disenfranchisement and neglect of adoptees nationwide. It is a disgraceful reflection of their priorities and a stark betrayal of their duty to protect the rights and well-being of their citizens.
Adoption and Forced Adoption: Hidden Agendas?
The Queensland government’s inaction and indifference towards adoptees imply a hidden agenda to systematically silence and marginalise this vulnerable community. The absence of respect, acknowledgement, and inclusion is evident in their failure to address the losses of heritage, culture, and identity experienced by adoptees. The government’s refusal to shine a light on forced adoption, particularly in mainstream media, education, healthcare, and social media campaigns such as Multicultural Queensland Month, is an act of sweeping their responsibilities under the carpet. Adoptees are left feeling abandoned, invisible, and betrayed by their own nation.
The National Apology and Empty Promises:
In 2013, a national apology was issued, followed by a Senate inquiry. However, these actions have resulted in minimal, if any, significant progress. Adoptees continue to face the same obstacles, while governments offer nothing but empty promises and hollow words. This disregard for adoptee rights and well-being is a national disgrace, and it leaves one questioning their pride in being Australian. Adoptees are left with a sense of hopelessness, as if they are expected to quietly suffer, unheard and unseen.
Standing Together for Adoptee Rights
It is time to confront the Queensland government’s hypocrisy and demand meaningful change. The general public must be made aware of the government’s negligence and encouraged to stand with adoptees. Adoptees deserve their rightful heritage, access to accurate birth certificates, and a streamlined process for returning to their family of origin. Multicultural Queensland Month and other initiatives must actively address the issues faced by adoptees on a regular basis to ensure transparency by placing their experiences and needs at the forefront of conversation. It is time for the Queensland government to stop sweeping adoptees’ plight under the carpet and take immediate action to rectify the injustice they have endured for far too long.
