The Andrews Labor Government has welcomed the Victorian Law Reform Commission’s Review of the Adoption Act 1984 report.
The report, tabled today in Victorian Parliament, contains 88 recommendations covering issues including:
- Promoting the best interests of the child, their rights and their ongoing needs
- Increasing openness in the adoption process
- Setting out special requirements and considerations for the adoption of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
- Protecting against the possibility of future ‘forced’ adoptions
The Labor Government will carefully consider the report and its recommendations, and start implementing changes to policies and service delivery to address some of the immediate issues raised.
The Government has already started to update adoption policy and practice within the scope of the existing Act.
This review follows significant changes to the Adoption Act in recent years, including the removal of barriers to the adoption of children by same-sex couples, and unnecessary and discriminatory provisions in relation to contact statements.
The Labor Government thanks the VLRC for the significant work that has gone into this report and acknowledges the contributions of the many community members who provided input into the review.
The review fulfils a key election commitment of the Labor Government. For more information and a copy of the report, visit
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“Adoption laws must adapt to represent the needs and values of modern families.”
“We’ve already made a number of important changes and will consider this review closely, to bring adoption laws into the 21st Century.”
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Martin Pakula
“We have already taken significant steps in recent years to ensure our adoption laws are fairer and more inclusive.”
“We will now carefully consider this significant piece of work. I thank the Law Reform Commission for its report, and the community who contributed to it.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020