Commitments to action plan reveal promising path forward for Stolen Generations survivors

Analysis from The Healing Foundation indicates encouraging engagement from governments, organisations and institutions with actions to support Stolen Generations survivors, nearly 30 years after the Bringing them home report was released in 1997.

The Healing Foundation’s first quarterly Progress Report on progress against From Sorry to Action: A plan to act on Bringing them home (2026-2028) finds that accountable parties have made commitments towards almost 42% of actions identified in the plan.

From Sorry to Action is a time critical road map that asks for firm commitments to deliver meaningful change for Stolen Generations survivors within two years. The plan was released on National Sorry Day this year.

The plan outlines opportunities for responsible agencies, organisations and leaders to support implementation. Recipients were invited to provide updates on progress and identify opportunities to advance the recommendations collectively.

This progress report reflects commitments made against the action plan between 26 May and 30 September 2026.

The Healing Foundation Acting CEO Leonie Williamson said the progress report shows encouraging signs that governments, organisations and institutions are engaging with the plan and responding to the urgent needs of Stolen Generations survivors.

“While this is a positive start, there is still much work to do to ensure survivors experience real change in their daily lives,” she said. 

“Survivors deserve justice, and to be able to age with dignity and respect.

“Accountability is key to ensuring survivors' urgent needs are front of mind for government leaders, policy makers and all parties who have the power to enact meaningful change and move from sorry to action.”

The release of the action plan came after an analysis found that only five of the original 83 recommendations made in Bringing them home had been clearly implemented. That’s just 6%. 

Five priority areas were identified in consultation with survivors, Stolen Generations Organisations, and in conversation with governments:

• health, social and emotional wellbeing, and ageing,
• records, redress, and acknowledgments,
• education, research and data,
• sector support and workforce development,
• governance and accountability

The action plan focuses on achievable priorities that can be progressed within two years. 

Australia can move the dial for justice and create a better future for survivors ahead of a 30-year milestone   

In 7 months, three decades will have passed since survivors were first promised meaningful change after what became Australia’s largest ever truth-telling inquiry — The National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families, which concluded at the turn of the last century.

For Australia to have only fully implemented six percent of recommendations of the 1997 Bringing them home report is a woeful response to support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who survived some of the harshest and most racist policies in the country's history.

Survivors have told us they are exhausted from calling for action for almost thirty years, and sadly, many have passed away without ever seeing justice.

That’s why The Healing Foundation will continue to track progress, encourage accountability and work with governments, organisations and other partners to advance the action plan.

The response to date demonstrates that collective action is possible, but sustained commitment will be needed to deliver meaningful outcomes for survivors.

“This is just the beginning. It is vital that governments and agencies across the country continue to take meaningful action in the lead up to the 30th anniversary of the Bringing them home report.”  Ms Williamson said.

“We invite governments, organisations and other agencies to join us and drive meaningful change.”

Download the progress report.

An online and up to date dashboard tracking progress against the actions for the action plan can be found at the From Sorry to Action webpage.