Coalition of Peaks calls for urgent action to support Stolen Generation survivors

Seventeen years since the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, the Coalition of Peaks pays tribute to survivors and their families while calling on governments to uphold their commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, to prevent history from repeating itself. 

Pat Turner AM, Lead Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks, said that while the Apology was a significant milestone, the trauma and injustices experienced by Stolen Generations survivors continue to impact them, their families, and their communities. 

“The Stolen Generations are a gap within the gap. Survivors live with the devastating effects of forced removal and continue to experience poorer health, social, and economic outcomes than other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of the same age,” Ms Turner said. 

A key Member of the Coalition of Peaks, the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), plays a critical role in developing services such as the Elder Care Support Program, so that Stolen Generations survivors – now older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – receive the culturally safe care and support they need to live with dignity. 

Ms Turner reaffirmed that the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, signed by all governments in July 2020, was meant to mark a turning point. 

“The four Priority Reforms in the Agreement reflect the change our people want, to lead the design and delivery of the services that impact our lives. Governments must uphold these commitments – our Elders and future generations depend on it.” 

An example of genuine partnership and using evidence to inform an approach to change is the Australian Government’s recent investment of $842.6 million in the Northern Territory Remote Aboriginal Investment (NTRAI) agreement. This marks a significant milestone in Closing the Gap efforts, strengthening programs that support older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – including Stolen Generations survivors and their families – through initiatives developed by local communities.

Pat Turner AM highlighted the significance of this investment.

“This is the first time an agreement of this nature has been negotiated directly with Aboriginal people, in alignment with the Closing the Gap Priority Reforms. It demonstrates the government’s willingness to listen, partner, and recognise the expertise and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait organisations and communities in driving lasting change.”

While the National Apology was an important acknowledgment of past wrongs, Ms. Turner emphasised that true and lasting change will only come through action – informed by history and led in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.