Australian gov't beefs up adoption monitoring

Australian gov't beefs up adoption monitoring

September 3, 2008

The Australian Government is fending off criticism from the Opposition over how it is dealing with allegations that stolen children from India have been adopted by Australian parents.

The government has moved to strengthen its overseas adoption checks from India.

It has frozen applications to adopt Indian children from agencies which it holds credible concerns about.

But the shadow Attorney General, George Brandis, wants it to spell out the rights of the Australian parents.

The response failed to provide clarity as to what are the respective rights of the parties.

The Attorney General, Robert McClelland, says is not an appropriate role for him.

It is grossly irresponsible for a politician purpoting to be in position to determine the rights of children.

The government says if the allegations are proven, it will be up to the courts to decide who should have custody rights.