UPDATE, MARCH 2026: An Interim Historical Forced Adoption Redress Scheme is now open for applications, bringing forward support to affected mothers who may not be able to wait for the full scheme to commence.
The Interim Scheme offers a $10,000 redress payment for mothers who are currently facing an urgent or exceptional need.
This support is available to mothers who:
were a Tasmanian resident and gave birth in Tasmania – whether at a state-run hospital, a non government facility, or at home
were subjected to forced adoption practices before the end of 1988
are now experiencing a terminal or critical illness, financial distress, or other significant personal challenges.
This Interim Scheme is a step toward acknowledging the lifelong harm caused by past forced adoption practices. Work on the full scheme is continuing in consultation with individuals and organisations, and it is expected to commence mid this year. We want to acknowledge those who contributed their stories, experiences and insights. Your voices continue to shape this important work.
Learn more about the full redress scheme and how to apply for an interim redress payment at: http://www.justice.tas.gov.au/…/historical-forced…
Redress scheme for forced adoption victims welcomed
Tasmanian women whose babies were taken from them in historical forced adoptions will be eligible for compensation through the nation’s second-ever redress scheme.
Establishing a redress scheme for the many thousands of Tasmanian women profoundly traumatised by forced adoptions, causing lifelong harm, is very welcome.
The redress scheme will hopefully be substantial and enough to properly acknowledge the wrongdoing and harm of forced adoptions.
Between 1953 and 1988 in Tasmania children were forcibly removed from their mothers by authorities deeming a mother “unfit”, affecting reportedly more than 11,000 women and their children.
Some were sedated or restrained during childbirth or pressured or deceived into signing consent forms when they were plainly unable to freely give consent. Some were minors.
The Government has today responded to the mothers and their fight for justice, the women with lived experience who had to relive their trauma to tell their stories
Their fight has been supported by the advocacy of many people, including myself and other MPs, and the outstanding lawyer acting for the women, Angela Sidrinis.
Compensation will never erase the ongoing loss, pain, trauma and suffering of these women.
For many sadly the redress comes too late for those who have passed.