Intercountry adoption legislation
There are many laws impacting the delivery of intercountry adoption in Australia.
About intercountry adoption legislation
Intercountry adoption in Australia is governed by Commonwealth family and immigration legislation and specific state and territory laws.
The Family Law Act 1975(Opens external website) and its regulations implement the Hague Convention. Australian states and territories also have similar laws relating to intercountry adoption.
Commonwealth laws
Family laws
- Family Law Act 1975(Opens external website)
- Family Law (Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption) Regulations 1998)(Opens external website)
- Family Law (Bilateral Arrangements—Intercountry Adoption) Regulations 2023(Opens external website)
- Family Law (Bilateral Arrangements—Intercountry Adoption) (Repeals and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2023(Opens external website)
Immigration laws
- Australian Citizenship Amendment (Intercountry Adoption) Act 2015(Opens external website)
- Australian Citizenship Act 2007(Opens external website)
- Immigration (Guardianship of Children) Act 1946(Opens external website)
- Migration Act 1958(Opens external website)
- Migration Regulations 1994(Opens external website)
State and territory laws
State and territory laws also affect intercountry adoption. These laws are listed by state/territory below.
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DSS2389 | Permalink: www.dss.gov.au/node/2389