Once an adopted child turns 18, he or she is entitled to information concerning his/her birth parents held by the Department of Families and Communities.

The information that can be released includes:

The information may be given to a lineal descendant of the adopted child if they consent or where they are deceased or cannot be located.

Similarly, where the adopted child has reached eighteen years, birth parents may also obtain any information, messages, or items held by Department of Human Services relating to the adoptive parents or the adopted child.

Adoptive parents may also obtain information, messages, or items held by Department of Human Services relating to the birth parent or the adopted child, provided the adopted child has reached eighteen years and consents.

Where an adoption occurred prior to the commencement of the Adoption Act 1988, an adopted child, adoptive parent or birth parent has the ability to veto the release of identifying information. It is necessary to renew the veto every five years [Adoption Act 1988 s.27B] if the person wishes the restriction to remain in place. Despite this veto power, the Minister may authorise the release of information (even if the necessary consents have not been given) if it is necessary for the welfare of an adopted person [Adoption Act 1988 s.27D].

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