The West Australian opposition has called for a parliamentary inquiry into forced adoptions in the state over a 40-year period.
Opposition Leader Mia Davies raised the issue in parliament on Thursday calling for a thorough investigation of the once state-sanctioned practice.
"Between the 1940s and 1980s, thousands of babies were forcefully removed from mothers and adopted out," Ms Davies said.
"It was a dark era that has had a deep and lasting impact on mothers, the adopted adults and their families.
"Their heartbreak and trauma as a consequence of this abhorrent practice has been a burden to bear for a lifetime."
Ms Davies said while there had been a formal apology 12 years ago, it was time for the state to take the next step to support the healing of those impacted.
She said an inquiry would provide an opportunity for mothers, adopted adults, medical staff and institutions to tell their stories and contribute to recommendations specific to WA.
Allowing access to all medical and adoption records without censorship, funding for support services and the creation of a redress scheme would be on the list of priorities for survivors and could be among those recommendations.
The government has not committed to supporting an inquiry, but has offered to meet with advocates.
More than 1000 people recently signed a petition calling for an urgent state-based inquiry.
