Adoption Act 1993

the person is on the register of suitable people; and

for an order to be made in favour of 2 people jointly—

they have lived together in a domestic partnership for at least 3 years (whether or not married or in a civil union); and

the court considers they have demonstrated the stability of, and their commitment to, their domestic partnership; and

for an order to be made in favour of 1 person only—the person either—

is a step parent of the child or young person; or

is not in a domestic partnership; and

if the person is a step-parent of the child or young person—the Family Court of Australia has given the step-parent leave to commence a proceeding for the adoption of the child or young person under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cwlth), section 60G (Family Court may grant leave for adoption proceedings by prescribed adopting parent); and

if the person is a relative of the child or young person—the court considers that—

the family circumstances mean that it would be beneficial for the child or young person if the relationships within the family were redefined in the way the order would redefine them; and

it would not be preferable to make an order relating to guardianship or custody of the child or young person.