Do I have to arrange the adoption through a state or territory authority for a subclass 102 visa?

Australia requires that intercountry adoption be undertaken through a State or Territory Central Authority (the state or territory government child-welfare authority). These authorities manage the arrangements for adopting a child from overseas, including assessing and approving you as a prospective adoptive parent.

You cannot generally bypass this process and arrange a private overseas adoption and then seek a 102 visa. The adoption must be recognised under the Hague Adoption Convention or under a bilateral arrangement between Australia and the child's country.