National Sorry Day marks the anniversary of the Bringing them Home report, which was officially presented to Federal Parliament on May 26, 1997.
The report brought national attention to the experiences and ongoing impacts on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families. It shared powerful, personal stories and issued over 50 recommendations to support truth-telling, healing and systemic reform.
Today on National Sorry Day, JCTS honours the strength and resilience of the Stolen Generations, their families, and communities. We pause to reflect on the painful history of forced child removal and acknowledge the deep and lasting impacts these policies continue to have on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We Cannot Wait Another Generation
This year’s National Sorry Day theme, ‘We Cannot Wait Another Generation’, is a powerful reminder that further action from the Bringing them Home report must still be taken.
Nearly three decades have passed since the report was presented, yet many of its recommendations have not been actioned. The children from the Stolen Generation and their families continue to be impacted by trauma, and for too many survivors, healing has been slow or unsupported.
‘We cannot wait another generation’ is a call for meaningful progress in the areas of truth-telling, justice, and reparations. It reminds us that healing cannot happen without action, and that the next generation deserves to inherit a country committed to accountability and respect.
Our commitment at JCTS
As a nationwide provider of cultural education for GPs and GP registrars, JCTS is committed to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We educate GPs and GP registrars to help provide greater access, acceptance and participation in healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
Today, and every day, we stand with the members of the Stolen Generation and remember, reflect, and renew our commitment to action.