CHAIR (Mrs Bronwyn Bishop) —I declare open this public hearing of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Family and Human Services for its inquiry into the adoption of children from overseas. This inquiry has attracted considerable national attention. We have received over 250 submissions to date, the vast majority of them from parents and couples who wish to start or add to their families and help orphaned or abandoned children from overseas. The committee has already taken evidence in Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory and has visited an adoptions unit while moving around the country.

The committee is very pleased to be in Adelaide today. This public hearing allows the committee to meet with state government representatives, individuals and key international adoption groups. We welcome all those preparing to give evidence today, including the South Australian government. Copies of the witness submissions are available on the committee’s web site.

At 12 noon there will be a community statement session. Members of the public, regardless of whether they have given a submission, are most welcome to inform the committee about how international adoption has affected them. We only require their first name to be given, if that is their wish. All are welcome.

This hearing is open to the public and a transcript of what is said will be made available via the committee’s web site. If anyone would like further information they can speak to one of the members of the committee staff.

[11.07 am]