Adoption Awareness and Deborra-lee Furness support action on Inter-Departmental Committee recommendations, announced by Tony Abbott

**MEDIA RELEASE**

ADOPTION AWARENESS AND DEBORRA-LEE FURNESS SUPPORT ACTION ON INTER-DEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS, ANNOUNCED BY TONY ABBOTT

Founder of National Adoption Awareness Week, Deborra-lee Furness and the Board of Adoption Awareness Ltd welcome the announcement regarding forthcoming changes to adoption laws based on the findings of the Inter-Departmental Committee. Adoption Awareness Ltd is one of the organisations and individuals to make a submission to the IDC appointed by the Office of the Prime Minister in December last year. The Hon. Tony Abbott MP has today announced his impending actions in response to the recommendations of the Committee.

Deborra-lee Furness has said “the Prime Minister should be applauded for his continued efforts in prioritising this very important adoption law reform. Since the inspiring event at Kirribilli House in December last year, submissions made to the IDC have been interpreted and the recommendations are encouraging. We are looking forward to seeing the announced changes implemented over the coming 9 months, particularly the streamlining of processes in Australia, and opening of inter-country adoption programs with more countries like South Africa, announced today. I see this as a meaningful step towards helping the millions of vulnerable children around the world.”

John O’Neill, Chair of Adoption Awareness Ltd, an adoptee himself (local adoption), and adoptive father of son, Sang from South Korea, has said that “as a member of the adoption community, I am pleased to see the government making another very important and significant step forward in connecting more kids with secure, permanent families. The support from States and Territories is imperative to successful transition into the improved programs, and we hope to see of a Centre for Excellence to support families introduced as a response to the committees identification of lacking post-adoptive support.”

Spokespeople from Adoption Awareness Ltd, including Deborra-lee Furness and John O’Neill are available for comment and interview.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
The Lantern Group – Louisa Read 0412 955 101 
louisa@lanterngroup.com.au

NAAW BOARD MEMBERS:
John O’Neill
Deborra-lee Furness (founding member), Helen McCabe (Editor-in-Chief, Australian Women’s Weekly), Kerry Chikarovski (ex-NSW Liberal Leader), Catherine McDonnell (Head of Legal and Business Affairs, Fox Studios Australia), Victoria Buchan (Director of Communications, Nine Network Australia)

NAAW LOCAL AMBASSADORS:
Jack Thompson 
(Actor, Adoptee), Cadel and Chiara Evans (Cyclist, Writer, Adoptive Parents), Layne Beachley (Surfing Champion, Entrepreneur, Adoptee), Jules Allen (ex-Masterchef contenstant, foster carer, adoptive mother), India Grant (NAAW Youth Ambassador – India tragically lost both parents by 13, since adopted by NAAW Ambassador Jules Allen)5