IT’S difficult to mention Deborra-Lee Furness without the words “Hugh Jackman” uttered in the same breath.

But there is much more to the actress than her megastar husband – the 57-year-old is also a loving mother of two children, activist and passionate advocate for adoption, as the executive director of the Worldwide Orphans Foundation in Australia.

On November 13 she will visit Canberra to encourage adoption reform and empower Australians to engage with issues affecting adoption, as part of a forum run by women’s network, Business Chicks, during National Adoption Awareness Week.

Furness, who adopted two children with Jackman after they could not biologically conceive, says she has been driving reform since speaking with Australians who were waiting up to 10 years to adopt.

“So many people came to me in Australia, knowing I had adopted children, and told me they wanted to provide a loving home for a child, but the bureaucracy restrictions and time limits were so hard that they couldn’t endure the process,” Furness says.

Australia’s inter-country adoption laws are some of the world’s most rigorous, which also means it is one of the slowest countries from which to adopt. According to research group Women’s Forum, Australia now has the second-lowest adoption rate in the developed world and, with an average five-year period for adoption approval, the waiting times are now the longest they have been in the country’s history.

Furness says it is “unclear” why the road to adoption is so difficult in Australia, but believes past issues could have triggered some complexity.

“Some theories are in relation to the stolen generation, that we handled that so badly and therefore politicians are scared of even touching anything to do with adoption,” she says.

“Also during the 1950s to 1970s there were a lot of unwed mothers that were pretty much coerced into giving up their newborn babies by state and church, as it was not deemed palatable by society to support these women in keeping their children… there was a lot of secrecy and shame attached to adoption.”

By “shedding light” on the situation, Furness hopes others will start championing the cause.

“Vulnerable children are relying on the adults to make the best decision for their wellbeing… if the politicians are not stepping up and creating policy that will affect a better system, I can only hope that with enough energy and passion and intelligence from people who recognise what needs to be done then we can effect change,” she says.

“Through the media and social networking I am confident that we can begin to shed light on this issue and bring humanity and good sense into the equation and then precipitate action.”

Currently based in New York, Furness says her family comes first despite a hectic schedule, including managing her roles as patron of the Lighthouse Foundation for displaced children in Melbourne, patron of the Bone Marrow Donor Institute for children with leukemia, and as a World Vision Ambassador.

“Luckily, due to the time difference between New York and Australia, I get to work after my kids are in bed and I am usually going strong till the wee hours of the morning,” she says.

Sydney-born Furness met Jackman while filming short-lived TV series “Correlli” in 1995, and says her husband of 17 years is a “constant inspiration” to her.

“[He] has passion and talent, and makes the world a better place for everyone,” she says.

Business Chicks, Australia’s largest community for women, are bringing Deborra-lee Furness to Canberra during National Adoption Week. Deborra-lee will be the guest speaker at the Business Chicks breakfast on Wednesday November 13 at Hotel Realm. Find all the details and book at www.businesschicks.com.au/events