UPDATE: The Crisafulli government is facing intense scrutiny for its inadequate response to urgent concerns regarding the forced adoption policies in Queensland. Nearly two months after reaching out, the state’s forced adoption support service, Jigsaw Queensland, claims ministers are “deflecting responsibility” instead of addressing critical issues that impact adopted individuals seeking family connections.
In a statement released earlier today, Dr. Jo-Ann Sparrow, president of Jigsaw Queensland, expressed her frustration over the government’s failure to engage meaningfully. “The response we received from Families Minister Amanda Camm last week was disappointing,” Sparrow stated, highlighting that it lacked any significant updates or commitments to restore access to crucial information.
Why This Matters: The issue has escalated following surprising changes implemented by the government in early September 2023. These changes, made without public consultation, restrict the ability of families separated by the state’s historical child removal practices to access vital information for reconnection. Notably, adopted individuals can no longer trace family members whose names have changed due to marriage without obtaining written consent from their biological parents—an unprecedented step that Sparrow describes as the most regressive policy shift in three decades.
Jigsaw Queensland’s efforts to communicate these concerns to both Minister Camm and Attorney-General Deb Frecklington have gone largely unaddressed. Frecklington acknowledged that the changes fall under Camm’s jurisdiction and were necessitated by a new legal interpretation, but the lack of clarity and commitment has left many feeling unheard.
As families across Queensland grapple with these new restrictions, the emotional toll is palpable. Individuals who have spent years seeking to reunite with lost family members are now facing additional barriers. The situation calls for immediate attention from the government to ensure that those affected can access the support they need.
Next Steps: Jigsaw Queensland is urging the state government to engage in open dialogue and restore access to information for those impacted by forced adoptions. This situation continues to develop, and observers are closely monitoring how the Crisafulli government will respond to mounting pressure from advocacy groups.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds, and share your thoughts on the implications of these changes for families in Queensland.
