Comments3

Some of the comments we have received so far: (PAGE 3)

I support all efforts to make it EASIER for Australian families to adopt either within Australia or overseas babies/children. Also, that the process would be quick and efficient.

Australia has the 2nd lowest adoption rate in the developed world, please make a change to decrease the waiting times. We have a 5 year wait for our adoption as the waiting times are now the longest they have ever been.
It takes up to or over 5 years to adopt from Ethiopia, yet in the US it takes just over a year. When I called my State office to make enquiries the lady I spoke to may as well of told me not to bother.
It shouldn't be so hard to give abandoned children a home.
Give singles the same opportunities as couples. Statistics show singles often make better parents than couples.
all children have the right to a loving family..
These new rules wont open floodgates to millions of children pouring in to our country, butit will help the children & waiting parents create their families. Australias education process will keep applications at a realistic level. I know someone who will have waited around 15 yrs to get referral because of the govts bungling. That is beyond anything near realistic.
The Federal Government should make it easier for more children to be adopted into Australian families. The process needs to be more accessible, affordable and streamlined. Adoption waiting lists need to be reduced - they are far too long and the process takes too long. Australians should be allowed to adopt from more countries - and non government organisations (NGOS) should be supported to set up private not for profit adoption agencies.
Please look at adoption for foster children too! We have been caring for a boy for 5 years (since he was 5mths)and have care until he turns 18! yet we cant adopt him.
I really get tired of hearing the government departments say they are doing it for "the best interest for the child". Every child deserves a family, and the world is full of children needing a loving family and home, so why be so anti-adoption, and make it hard for families.
Let's see changes and quick action to start the ball rolling.
There are many families in Australia wanting to form their family through adoption. There are many children in the world in need of a family and who's birth country for a wide range of reasons are not able to provide them with one. Please assist these families to connect.
Every child should have the right to be raised by loving parents.
I'm currently considering adoption from Colombia so I am asking the Federal Government to make it easier for more children to be adopted into Australian families by reducing the waiting list timeframe and making the process more accessible, affordable and streamlined.
There are many families waiting to LOVE these children. These children should not have to wait!
They are great parents and would be ideal for a second child, what a shame that such good parents who can't have children cannot get the chance to adopt again. Please help.
I wholeheartedly support this petition which would enable fellow Australians to experience the privilege of raising children - as I do in raising my daughter adopted from China.
Our family missed out on Maternity Payment when we returned to Australia with our adopted daughter on the day of her second birthday. We travelled as soon as possible after the Chinese & Australian Government adoption requirements had been completed but missed being eligible for Maternity Payment by 10 hours. The age restriction is arbitary and should be removed.
We adopted from Bolivia 21 years ago and were able to give a young girl a wonderful life. Six years ago we visited the orphanage from where we adopted and met children that had spent all their life in an institution but who could have lived a caring life in Australia.
The Federal Government should as a matter of urgency implement the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Family and Human Services report
As an adoptive parent, I am particularly concerned about the lack of funding support for NGOs to set up adoption agencies. Without the NGOs, there is limited adoption.
Adopted two children 14 and 10 years ago from Colombia. It is a wonderful way to have a family for those not lucky enough to have their own children. It was easier all those years ago and quicker than it is now. It must be made simpler in Australia to begin with and the cost is prohibitive to a lot of families. There are so many children in the world in need of a family to love and support them
I am a parent to 2 adopted children (aged 4 and 5) adopted in 2006 from Colombia, and have first-hand knowledge of the relevance and significance of each of the above concerns. I have insight into overseas processes and current developments, being a fluent Spanish speaker, and could assist the Government in investigating any of the above issues further. I am a member of AFC but do not hold any office in that organisation.
The government should make it easy not harder for Australian families to adopt children from out countries filling up the void in their life and the life of overseas kids.
I have friends that have adopted 2 children from overseas and I understand the plight these people went through to adopt children.
The government needs to radically overhaul the child adoption process. This is completely outdated and needs all the red tape removed
It is time the Government addressed this issue and funalised access to the suffering children into the care and loving arms of Australians.
My husband and I are very interested in inter country adoption, but are put off by the very long waiting time. If the process was streamlined I believe many more people would be interested and therefore helping children worldwide that don/t have the oppertunities we have but could offer them.
Just voicing my support in making it more achieveable for Australian families to adopt needy children.
We, the first world have an obligation to those who go without. Orphaned children deserve our help and loving families here in Australia want to provide that help. Please let them.
Should I ever get to a point where I find that adoption is my only option to have a family, I would love for the process to be supported and streamlined. For those in that position now, surely opening the doors for their love to be shared is a good thing for all!
Something has to change. There are way too many couples/individuals who would make excellent parents. Please help to give these people and the children/babies a chance.
As an adoptive parent it is frustrating to see so many children in need of a loving family and so many wanting to bring these children into their families. We would love a sibling for our adoptive daughter but with a wait of 5 years+ expected who knows if this will ever happen.
The federal government needs to take pro-active responsibility for setting up programs with potential donor countries. There are so many children in need around the world. The federal government needs to make it easier (financially and beaurocratically)for Australian families to adopt. Get rid of the child's age limit as it applies to the Baby Bonus for adoptive families NOW.
i knew of a lady that had to take like 6 months off of work to be able to fill in the paperwork and with all the legal requirements to be able to adopt a child and give that child a loving home. the laws should be made simplier to help these loving people that are kind enough to open their homes and hearts to kids in need.