18th Anniversary · National Apology

2026 National Apology to the
Stolen Generations Breakfast

The National Apology Breakfast brings together Stolen Generations survivors, First Nations leaders, corporate and community representatives and key political figures.

It is a time for communities, leaders and allies to listen, reflect and recommit to meaningful change — to support survivors, particularly as they age, and ensure that Young First Nations people grow up proud in their identity, safe from harm and supported in education and employment to reclaim their futures.
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ONGOING WORK

Why this still matters

Each year on 13 February, Michael McLeod, Chair of the Pauline E. McLeod Foundation, convenes the National Apology Day Breakfast to reflect on the historic 2008 National Apology delivered by the Prime Minister, the Honourable Kevin Rudd.

While the Apology was a step forward, much work remains. The impacts of past policies on Stolen Generations survivors and the intergenerational trauma on families continue. And there are areas where the gap in health, education, justice and economic outcomes between First Nations and non First Nations Australians remains or is growing.

The Breakfast seeks to highlight the individuals and organisations dedicated to supporting a better future for First Nations Peoples and amplify Michael McLeod's call for greater action.
Why this still matters
PARTNERSHIP

Partners and Supporters

The Healing Foundation is a key partner of the National Apology Breakfast representing the interests of Survivors of the Stolen Generations and supporting those who travel to Canberra to participate in the Breakfast.

Commonwealth Bank Australia continues to be a valued financial supporter, as does the National Indigenous Australians Agency which also provides funding for Survivors of the Stolen Generations from across the country to attend the Breakfast. Special thanks to the four new partners – Nallawilli Group, SmartGroup, Supply Nation and Stockland – who contributed to the 2026 Breakfast.

First Nations Partners

First Nations Partners
Sharing a common purpose
OUR MISSION

Sharing a common purpose

The National Apology Breakfast and the Pauline E. McLeod Foundation are united with a common purpose. That is to work with organisations Australia-wide to embrace reconciliation and partner with First Nations communities to deliver support that genuinely meets their needs today and advances their outcomes in the future.

The Pauline E. McLeod Foundation is delighted to be associated with this event to raise the Anniversary of the National Apology in the nation's consciousness. We believe it is important to foster greater understanding of the pain endured by Survivors of the Stolen Generations, to shine a light on the intergenerational trauma impacting Young First Nations people, and more importantly, what we can do about it. These are the issues Pauline cared about deeply and what the Foundation named in her honour is dedicated to addressing.
2026 EVENT RECAP

Marking the 18th Anniversary
of the National Apology

The 18th Anniversary of the National Apology was marked on 13 February 2026 with a breakfast at the Great Hall, Parliament House, Canberra.

Thank you to the Honourable Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, for delivering the keynote address, alongside fellow speakers Patricia Thompson AM, Chief Executive Officer Link-Up (QLD) Aboriginal Corporation and Justice Louise Taylor of the Supreme Court of the ACT.

Convenor Michael McLeod was also delighted to host Her Excellency, the Governor-General of Australia, Sam Mostyn.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

“To be here every year with you remains one of my greatest honours as Prime Minister. I particularly want to welcome the survivors who grace us with your presence here this morning. Your strength gave us all the chance of a better Australia.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

13 February 2026

2027 BREAKFAST

Interested in being part of the
19th Anniversary of the National Apology Breakfast in 2027?

Looking forward to being involved in the 19th Anniversary of the National Apology Breakfast in 2027 as part of a collective movement toward understanding, healing and collaboration.

Registration submitted