Queensland Consolidated Acts

ADOPTION ACT 2009 - SECT 307I

307I Separate representation of children

(1) This section applies if an adoption proceeding is about the suitability of a person to be an adoptive parent of a particular child.

(2) The tribunal must consider whether it would be in the child’s best interests for the child to be separately represented before the tribunal by a lawyer (a
"separate representative" ).

(3) If the tribunal considers it would be in the child’s best interests for the child to be separately represented before the tribunal by a lawyer, the tribunal must order that the child be represented by a separate representative.

(4) A separate representative may represent more than 1 child in the same proceeding before the tribunal.

(5) A separate representative must—

(a) act in the child’s best interests having regard to any expressed views or wishes of the child; and

(b) as far as possible, present the child’s views and wishes to the tribunal.

(6) For the QCAT Act , a separate representative has the same rights and obligations as a party to the review.