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Deborra-lee Furness slams Australian adoption policies

She's hoping to spark a major change!

Deborra-lee Furness has caused a stir overnight after making shock claims about Australia’s adoption policies. 

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The 61-year-old actress and avid adoption advocate spoke to 9Honey, and claimed the Australian government focuses too much on biological parents rather than focusing on what is best for the child. 

She said, ‘I think the way it’s always been done is in the interests of the parents. They’re waiting for mum to get off crack or dad to get out of jail, and that’s not acceptable.

‘It’s got to be in the best interest of the child and their biological parents have been negligent for a time limit – I think two years is a substantial time limit – then I’m sorry, you have to relinquish those rights and give that child an opportunity to have a permanent family,’ she further stated. 

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Furness is no stranger to the adoption policy in Australia. 

Furness, and her husband Hugh Jackman, have two adopted children – Oscar, 17 and Ava, 12.

Currently it takes approximately 33-months for a family to adopt a child in Australia which, while still a long time to wait, is much shorter than the 10 years it took just a decade ago.

‘The wait times are still too long, when you consider how many children need permanent families and how many families want to give them a home,’ Furness further explained to 9Honey. 

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‘We’ve got to get better.’ 

debora
(Credit: Getty)

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