The first adoption legislation in Queensland was the Adoption of Children Act 1935. Before then, adoptions were organised ‘informally’ by church and charitable organisations. During the period when the Commonwealth government began to work with the states to introduce model adoption legislation, Queensland passed the Adoption of Children Act 1964. Queensland’s adoption rates peaked in the 1960s and 1970s, with over 6,000 babies adopted in one four-year period (History of Adoption Project, 2013).
The Adoption Act 2009 provides for the adoption of children in Queensland, and for access to information about parties to adoptions in Queensland, in a way that: promotes the wellbeing and best interests of adopted persons throughout their lives; and supports efficient and accountable practice in the delivery of adoption services; and complies with Australia’s obligations under the Hague convention.