Origins SPSA Inc
ABN 48 507 164 002. DGR
PO Box W18FairfieldWest NSW 2165
The Honorable Pru Goward MP
Parliament House
Sydney NSW
6/9/12
Re Forced Adoption Apology
Dear Ms Goward/Pru
I am once again writing in my capacity as the national Coordinator of Origins SPSA,Inc and as a member of the Liberal Party of NSW. I would also mention that I am the NSW Non Indigenous delegate for the National Stolen Generations Alliance
I would bring your attention to the up-coming proposed “Forced Adoption Apology” to be delivered by the parliament of New South Wales on 20th September 2000
We are asking why this as a legal issue is being handled by the Department of Human Services and not the Attorney Generals Department, as in the case of the National proposed apology
We are also concerned in regard to the lack of communication as to whether the NSW government is attempting to follow the senate report recommendations 3, 4 and 6 which outline the form that any apologies should address
As a committee that represents those affected by forced adoption, once again we are asking if the NSW government is making any attempt to provide some sort of framework that includes
- Post adoption support i.e. specialized counseling, etc.
- Waiving of information fees.
- Funding and support for organisations such as Origins Inc, that has had to rely on the generosity if its members to continue to provide services.
- Any other information to inform the wider public on the issues of forced adoption i.e. educational material etc
We are asking you to consider the following recommendations that we believe would show that your department and the State Government is prepared to show sincerity in the forthcoming apology and would go some way to addressing the principles of the Canadian Law Commission in regard to apologies and as recommended by the Senate committee report.
In That:
- Redress, that could be replicated on the model given in Queensland for the Forde Inquiry, collected though the Department of Transport by the addition of one or two dollars to license fees etc.
- The waiving of fees for information.
- An education campaign conducted through school curriculums etc.
- Support for not for profit organisations such as Origins.This could be done by providing rent free premises such as a house awaiting demolition in areas such as Bonnyrigg etc. This could be used as a welfare distribution centre where we could supply on the ground welfare services, run projects, house our extensive library etc. and would cost the State Government little to support.
- Be provided with welfare in the form of electricity, water and transport concessions etc.
- Access to women’s health centers for counseling, projects, etc.
This could at least be a start for reconciliation and a framework to bring to the State and national apology.
Given the immediacy of the proposed apology we look forward to your prompt response.
Yours Sincerely
Lily Arthur
Coordinator Origins SPSA Inc
Ph 02 9604 9352
Fax 02 9604 1950
Mob 0411 164 964