15th Anniversary of the Australian Government Apology to Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants

Saturday 16 November marks the 15th Anniversary of the Apology by the Australian Government to Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants.

A 2004 Senate Inquiry and Report highlighted the complete failure of the child protection system to keep children safe from harm, finding that in fact a large proportion of children in the system were subjected to severe abuse, neglect, maltreatment and cruelty.

The Government apologised for the significant role it played in placing these children in harm’s way.

Commemorating the Apology is an important opportunity to bring awareness to this part of Australia’s history, which is sadly still very unknown and misunderstood by the wider community. The history of Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants should be known and understood by everyone.

In addition, the lasting impacts many of them endure from the trauma they experienced in childhood also need to be recognised and understood widely, to enable greater access for Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants to safe, appropriate and helpful support, care and services.

We honour and acknowledge Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants. It is through their advocacy, strength and determination that the Apology came about and that services like Wattle Place exist.

We have great respect for their courage, survival, and endurance, as well as their persistant and purposeful advocacy for recognition and justice.