One of the most powerful things our adoption community can do right now is contact local Members of Parliament and ask them to support a Royal Commission into adoption in Australia.
MPs pay attention when constituents contact them directly – especially when multiple people raise the same issue.
You do not need to be an expert, a professional writer, or share deeply personal details to make an impact. A short, sincere letter is enough.
Step 1: Find Your Local MP
You can find your Federal MP here:
Australian Parliament – Find Your Federal MP
You may also wish to write to your State MP.
Step 2: Keep Your Letter Personal
The most effective letters are:
- respectful
- concise
- personal
- focused on why this matters to you
MPs are more likely to respond when they hear directly about:
- lived experience
- impacts on your life
- why change is urgently needed
You do not need to disclose trauma or personal details you are uncomfortable sharing.
Step 3: Include These Key Points
We encourage members to include some of the following:
- Introduce Yourself
- You are a constituent in their electorate
- You are an adoptee, natural parent, extended family member, or supporter
- Explain the Issue
You may wish to mention:
- lifelong impacts of adoption
- identity loss and falsified records
- barriers to accessing information
- trauma and mental health impacts
- lack of accountability and oversight
- ongoing harms in adoption systems today
ASK FOR ACTION
Request that your MP:
- support a Royal Commission into adoption
- raise the issue in Parliament
- meet with Adoptee Rights Australia
- advocate for adoptee rights reform
Step 4: Keep It Clear and Focused
Aim for:
- 1–2 pages maximum
- plain language
- one main message:
Australia needs a Royal Commission into adoption.
Step 5: Send the Letter
You can:
- email the MP’s office
- post a printed letter
- request a meeting
Email is usually the fastest and easiest option.
Optional Tips
Helpful Things to Include:
- Your postcode
- Why this issue affects your community
- Why existing systems have failed
Helpful Tone is to try to be:
- firm
- respectful
- solution-focused
Sample Structure
- Introduce yourself
- Explain why you are writing
- Share your concerns or experience
- Ask the MP to support a Royal Commission
- Thank them for their time
Every Letter Matters
Even a short email can help build momentum.
When MPs hear directly from people affected by adoption, it strengthens the call for truth, accountability, and reform.