More support for survivors on anniversary of apology
Members of the Stolen Generations will receive a multimillion-dollar boost to support services as the anniversary of the national apology is marked.
Friday will mark the 18th anniversary of former Labor prime minister Kevin Rudd’s apology to the Stolen Generations in federal parliament.
Survivors will have access to $87 million in support services over the next four years, which will include family tracing and reunification efforts.
Funds will also be used for compensation programs and access to healthcare.
Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said Stolen Generations survivors needed continued meaningful support.
“Past government policies have caused immeasurable harm to Stolen Generations survivors and their families,” he said.
“Unfortunately, distress and pain continue today for many of our people. That’s why it’s so important to understand and support the needs of the Stolen Generations.”
The anniversary of the apology will be celebrated with a commemorative breakfast to be held in the parliament building, where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will give a speech.
Mr Albanese will say the apology was an important step forward but not the end of the action.
“The apology wasn’t just looking to the past; it was a call to action for the future. It was a call to action that was deeply patriotic at its core and true to our unwavering instincts for a better, fairer, stronger Australia,” he will say.
“An apology was never intended as the final word; it was designed as the beginning of a bigger, brighter story, one in which we will continue to work to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians until that gap belongs to history.”
The anniversary came a day after the prime minister delivered his annual statement on Closing the Gaps outcomes, which said only four of 19 targets were on track to be met by 2031.
Mr Albanese said: “We cannot close our eyes to the fact that there are areas where progress has stalled. It is abundantly clear that we have no room for complacency.” he will say.
“We continue our efforts. We continue with what works, and we create solutions for what doesn’t work.”
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