On 13 February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd offered a National Apology to Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Apology specifically addressed the Stolen Generations, acknowledging the profound pain and suffering caused by the practices and policies of successive Australian Governments. As a result of these actions, children were forcibly removed from their families and communities, creating a legacy of trauma that is still felt today.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare research shows survivors of the Stolen Generations face poorer health outcomes and social and emotional wellbeing than other Australians. This includes experiencing higher rates of discrimination and more socioeconomic challenges. Generational trauma also continues to impact descendants and communities of the Stolen Generations.

Despite widespread protests and outrage at the Australian Government’s lack of accountability, it would take decades before the injustice was addressed with an official apology.

In 1995, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission conducted a National Inquiry into the Stolen Generations. This resulted in the release of the 1997 Bringing Them Home report, which documented the adverse impacts of separating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families and underscored their strength and resilience.

The report made 54 recommendations to redress the wrongdoings and support healing and reconciliation. Notably, a key recommendation was the necessity of an official acknowledgment and apology. Finally, in 2007, Rudd began consulting with Aboriginal people on what a national apology should look like, and presented it on behalf of his parliament the following year.

“The time has now come for the nation to turn a new page in Australia’s history by righting the wrongs of the past and so moving forward with confidence to the future.”

This was seen as a milestone in the journey toward healing and reconciliation, as thousands across the country gathered to witness a broadcast of the watershed moment. The apology assured that new solutions would be embraced to address the ongoing impacts of the Stolen Generation, and work toward a future based on mutual respect and understanding.

17 years later, the anniversary of the National Apology is an opportunity to remember the stolen generations, reflect on the progress made toward healing, and recognise the work still needed to reconcile and strengthen our communities. This includes holding current and future Australian Governments accountable for their commitments to reconciliation.