The community action group 'Grandmothers Against Removals' has called on the Federal Government to speak out against the ongoing removal of Aboriginal children from their families.
Aunty Hazel Collins, founder of Grandmothers Against Removals, told NITV News she wants to see Prime Minister Scott Morrison stand up against the forced adoption laws in New South Wales, to set an example for the rest of the nation.
“I’m calling on him to sit down with us ... to have an honest, transparent conversation about these issues,” she said.
Aunty Hazel wants to meet with Mr Morrison to talk about his plans in combating the ongoing stolen generations.
The grandmothers were joined by around 1,000 community members in Sydney’s Hyde Park on Friday to rally against the adoption laws in NSW, where children in out of home care must be adopted within just two years.
Amendments to the state's Children and Young Persons and Adoption Act passed through the NSW parliament last October, despite an open letter signed by over 60 organisations and hundreds of individuals opposing it.
People paraded signs that read ‘kids in culture, not in care’ from the park to the states government house. Source: NITV News
At the time of the changes, NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian said the laws created a safer environment for children.
“When it is no longer safe for a child to stay at home, we want them to have a permanent home, as quickly as possible, through guardianship or open adoption,” she said.
“We want all children to know that they have a loving and safe home for life.”
Aunty Hazel said she is concerned other Australian states and territories may follow the NSW model.
“I honestly believe this is being trialed in NSW. I dont think any other state would be exempt. It’s only a matter of time before it goes across the board… is he going to be a Prime Minister that condones genocide?” she said.
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