The Albanese Labor Government today acknowledges the 15th anniversary of the National Apology to Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants who as children were abandoned by, or removed from, their families and placed into institutionalised care.
The Apology, by then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on behalf of the nation on 16 November 2009, acknowledged the years of mistreatment and neglect experienced by Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the 15th anniversary was a significant milestone to highlight the continued acknowledgement by Government of the harsh and cruel treatment of thousands of children taken from their homes through the last century.
“It is an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to the original intent of the Apology and to the safety of Australia’s children so these injustices are not repeated,” Minister Rishworth said.
Until the late 1980s, more than 500,000 children were removed from their families and about 7000 child migrants were displaced from their home countries and placed in institutional care where many were subjected to abuse and neglect.
The children were typically aged between eight to 13-years-old, but some were as young as three.
Child migrants were children who had been sent to Australia – mostly from the United Kingdom, but also from Malta – and placed in institutions throughout Australia.
Minister Rishworth acknowledged the ongoing pain and grief of former child migrants and their families.
“Today’s anniversary is an important time for us to remember the suffering and trauma experienced by these children in institutional care,” Minister Rishworth said.
“Nothing can take away their years of fear, hurt and family separation, but we can remember, reflect and support for healing and hope.”
Minister Rishworth said the Government provides $23.5 million for the Find and Connect support services (July 2021- June 2026) introduced as part of the Apology.
In the last year, 2468 people accessed Find and Connect services, including specialist counselling, referral services, peer, education and social support programs along with help to access records and reconnect with family where possible.
Funding has been dedicated to services across Australia, and to the Find and Connect website, an online resource for people who grew up in institutional homes, and their families, to track down historical records.
This year’s anniversary will be commemorated with a number of events around the country with funding provided to Find and Connect organisations. It will also be commemorated through Minister Rishworth’s Statement to Parliament on 20 November 2024.
For more information on Forgotten Australians (Care Leavers), Former Child Migrants and the national apology, please visit the National Museum of Australia’s online exhibition.
To access Find and Connect Support Services, call 1800 16 11 09 or visit the Find and Connect Web Resource.