Forced adoption survivors disappointed at government response to inquiry

14 years ago, mothers gathered at Western Australia's parliament to hear an historic apology. "I hope that this apology may in some way help those women to start on a pathway to healing this terrible hurt. A hurt that they have endured through no fault of their own.” Today, survivors of the forced adoption era are back again, this time led by adoptees who were removed at birth. They've come to hear the government's response to a recent landmark inquiry. “The inquiry uncovered a system of secrecy, and misuse of power by individuals, and institutions, that inflicted harm, undermined people’s rights and silenced their voices.” The government is supporting most of the inquiry's recommendations... But it stopped short of committing to 14 recommendations, including a redress scheme for mothers and adoptees. "To use one word I would say disappointed." And has rejected a proposal to notify anyone who is not already aware that they were adopted. “The secrecy has to stop, this is how closed forced adoption policies are still impacting people today - when they are 50, 60, 70, people are dying not knowing they are adopted - and I know of instances of that.” Earlier this year, the Victorian government introduced the first forced adoption redress scheme the in the country. The WA Government says, "Further consideration will be given to 14 recommendations from the inquiry, including the establishment of a redress scheme." Earlier this week, survivors gathered at a memorial to mark 14 years since the landmark apology and spoke about the need for redress. “It needs to be tangible. Someone says sorry to you - prove it. Show me you are sorry, show me in your actions. Actions speak louder than words.” “We're still here and we're still fighting” Determined, but exhausted, after a lifelong battle