Abbott backs adoption cause

ADOPTION champion Deborah Lee Furness has won the support of Prime Minister Tony Abbott to tackle Australia’s ‘‘ antiadoption culture’’.

Mr Abbott will team up with the actor, who is married to movie star Hugh Jackman, next week to announce the Government wants to speed up applications and establish an interdepartmental committee.

The mother of two adopted children Eva, 8, and Oscar, 13, Ms Furness has repeatedly warned she was forced to adopt in the US because it was too difficult at home. Her national campaign to help foster children find a ‘‘forever family’’ and help Australian families also adopt overseas has involved frequent visits to Canberra.

Speaking after talks with state premiers, Mr Abbott said it was an issue close to many families’ hearts.