Today marks the fifteenth anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations.
On 13 February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a formal apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly to the Stolen Generations whose lives had been impacted by past government policies of forced child removal and assimilation.
The anniversary is an opportunity to acknowledge the strength and resilience of survivors of the Stolen Generations, and to commemorate those who did not survive.
The National Apology was a historic step forward in the process of reconciliation, and the milestone holds a special significance for many First Nations people. However, to this day Aboriginal children in Victoria are 17 times more likely to be in out-of-home care than non-Aboriginal children.
You can watch part of the apology here.
You can find out more about the history and significance of the National Apology here.
As we recognise the importance of the anniversary in the ongoing journey of reconciliation, we also look forward to producing the 2023-2025 Monash Health Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Our RAP embeds the principles and purpose of reconciliation in the work that we do. Based on the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and substantive benefits for all people, and increases economic equity and First Nations self-determination.
You can read our last RAP here. If you’re interested in contributing to our next RAP, come along to our Reconciliation Action Information Session held at 11am on 15 February via Teams.
Approved by Andrea Rindt, Acting Chief Operating Officer