Adoption law change will benefit families: Dametto

A CHANGE to Queensland’s adoption laws would give blended families the recognition they deserve, says Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto.

The Katter’s Australian Party MP is sponsoring a parliamentary e-petition set to be tabled in parliament next week that calls on the State Government to make adult adoption legal in Queensland as it is in other states.

Mr Dametto said he was happy to support principal petitioner and Bushland Beach mum Leanne Davis in her long-running fight to have her husband Adam recognised on her daughter Tiana’s birth certificate.

“Families are such an important part of our community’s social fabric so I was more than happy to sponsor Leanne’s petition when we were first approached,” Mr Dametto said.

“I think it gives families who find themselves in this unique situation not only legal recognition but a stronger bond. For instance, it might be a step-child who has grown fond of their step-parents, an adult adoptee who has found their birth family and wishes to be adopted by them or a way to create legal inheritance rights within a relationship.”

Mrs Davis said a change to the Adoption Act “would mean a great lot to my daughter Tiana and husband Adam”.

“This would mean Adam’s name on Tiana’s birth certificate where it states father of the child,” she said.

“The current system is letting us down and unfair as this is already legalised in other states, including over the border in New South Wales. So why is Queensland not following suit?”

Mrs Davis said she knew “quite a few families” who would benefit from the law change.

“Why is the government so afraid of changing the law for adult adoption and making this legal here in Queensland? Why should adopting an adult be prohibited when they are already legally allowed to make their own life decisions from the age of 18?”

Once tabled, the petition will require a government minister to respond within 30 days.

The petition will closed yesterday.