13 February 2026
Life Without Barriers stands with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to observe National Apology Day as we continue to advocate for First Nations-led solutions that help children grow up with strong connections to kin, culture and community.
National Apology Day marks the 18th anniversary of the Australian Parliament formally apologising for harmful government policies that forcibly removed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families.
We acknowledge the injustice and profound impact these policies continue to have on our First Nations peoples and communities and recognise the resilience of Stolen Generations and their families.
This strength drives our action to listen to First Nations leadership and contribute to greater investment in early, culturally safe support that strengthens families to change the current trajectory of Closing the Gap targets.
Life Without Barriers chief executive Claire Robbs said while the 2008 apology was an important step towards reconciliation, the harm, loss and grief inflicted on the stolen generation, their families, and First Nations peoples endured.
“As a nation and as a generation, we must continue to acknowledge this national day of the historic 2008 apology,” Ms Robbs said.
“But moreover, we must show our direct action in ensuring we never repeat the past. Removal of children continues today.
“The 2025 Family Matters Report by SNAICC – National Voice for our Children shows us that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are 9.6 per cent more likely to be in foster care arrangements and make up 45 per cent of all children in out-of-home care in Australia - yet the organisations best placed to keep them safe receive just six per cent of the funding.
“Radical change that moves beyond symbolic gestures is needed if our nation wants to close the gap in a meaningful way. Together with Allies for Children and First Nations communities and leadership, we are taking accountability for change in our own organisations and restoring children in care to community and backing in self-determination”
Life Without Barriers continues to partner with SNAICC – National Voice for our Children as we work towards helping First Nations children move into the care of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations that can provide that important connection to kin and community.
Life Without Barriers is part of the Allies for Children, a group of like-minded organisations working together to advocate for changes in the child protection system to ensure First Nations Children have more opportunities to grow in culture and community.
We believe Close the Gap target 12 can be achieved if we drive change within non-Indigenous mainstream organisations.
Media enquiries: media@lwb.org.au.
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