Mothers whose babies were forcibly adopted across decades will be eligible for redress payments under a state scheme, but there are concerns it could be too little, too late.

An estimated 250,000 children were taken from unmarried women against their will in Australia, the majority between 1950 and 1975.

Tasmania has announced it will set up a redress scheme for mothers who were subjected to the practice, becoming the second state behind Victoria to offer such compensation.

The Tasmanian government issued a formal apology to survivors in 2012, with then-prime minister Julia Gillard doing the same in 2013.

Mothers told a 2012 inquiry they were pressured and coerced into giving up their children, and in some cases drugged and shackled to beds.

"I want to recognise all those who have bee

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