According to Sydney Morning Herald journalist, Marissa Calligeros, it was a practice which has been described as 'institutionalised baby farming'.
Clean break theory involved the removal of a baby from the mother immediately after birth, often with no contact taking place between parent and child, followed by permanent placement of the baby with an adopting family usually within a period of several weeks.
"I now apologise to the mothers, their children and families who were adversely affected by these adoption practices," Colin Barnett said.
[11] The Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly endorsed a formal apology, delivered by Chief Minister Katy Gallagher, on 14 August 2012.
[12] On 20 September 2012, NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell delivered an apology on behalf of the Parliament of New South Wales to the parents and children who were affected by past forced adoption policies.
The apologies were delivered by Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu and opposition leader Daniel Andrews.
"[15] On 6 August 2012, the Parliament of Tasmania announced that it would present a formal apology over forced adoption policies.