A 'big step': Government puts a value on forced adoption compensation

Updated 7 days ago by Joe Colbrook

Tasmanian mothers whose children were forcibly removed from them now have a path to redress, with the government offering up to $75,000 in compensation.

Through the scheme women whose children were forcibly removed from them will be able to access cash payments of up to $65,000, alongside $10,000 for counselling and support.

Women with urgent or exceptional needs will be able to access an interim $10,000 payment before the scheme begins in full.

The government says the application process will be "trauma-informed", and include ways for affected mothers to receive an apology or direct personal response for their treatment.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the government was "firmly committed" to supporting the impacted mothers, and called the scheme a "big step" towards correcting historical injustices.

"Historical forced adoptions caused significant pain and suffering, both physically and mentally, for so many women, and I want to recognise all those mothers who have been affected by these practices," Mr Rockliff said.

"I want to thank those who have already registered to be involved in the development of this scheme - it is your voices, and your lived experience, that will see this scheme set the tone at a national level."

A Tasmanian parliamentary committee investigated past adoption practices within the state in 1999, focusing on the period between 1958 and 1988.

A 2012 Senate inquiry estimated between 140,000 and 150,000 forced adoptions happened nationwide between 1951 and 1975.

During this time period, single mothers had their newborn children removed from them under duress or by deceit - in some cases the women were drugged or physically restrained.

The Senate inquiry recommended, among other things, a national apology to victims and the establishment of redress schemes by states and territories.

The national apology was made in 2013, although the Tasmanian parliament issued its own apology in 2012.

Tasmania is the second state to implement such a scheme, after Victoria which offers $30,000 payments to mothers.

Neither state offers support for forcibly adopted children, which drew criticism when the Tasmanian scheme was first announced.

Hobart barrister Greg Barns labelled the practice of forced removals cruel and "frankly, criminal", and one which left many people with lifelong trauma.

Consultation on the draft scheme remains open until February 15, 2026, with individuals and organisations who have already registered their interest in consultation to be contacted in due course.