Last week in Canberra, William Tilmouth – Arrernte leader, Stolen Generations survivor, and Founding Chair of Children’s Ground – joined the Prime Minister in Canberra for a breakfast to mark 17 years since Kevin Rudd delivered the National Apology to the Stolen Generations. Before the event, William spoke to ABC’s Radio National with courage and urgency about the unfinished work of truth, justice, and healing. The Apology was intended to be a step towards reconciliation and healing for Stolen Generations survivors, yet William reflects on how, without meaningful action, it risks becoming empty words.
“Remorse is not enough,” says the Children’s Ground Chair and Arrernte leader, who himself is a Stolen Generations survivor. “Political leaders need to do more.” (Image: Children’s Ground)
Writing on the anniversary of the national Stolen Generation Apology, “[It] is not a day that we reflect upon with pride. It is a yearly reminder of the deep and distressing reality of on-going harm – of failed policies and actions resulting in more of our children than ever before being ‘taken’ into ‘care’,” said William, who highlights First Nations children 11.5 times more likely to be removed into out-of-home care as infants than non First Nations Children. “Successive governments on both sides of politics have failed to act and instead nurture a brutal status quo.”
“If our children aren’t being removed by welfare, they are being imprisoned. Australian governments can lead change and must lead change. The question is – how many more of our children will be harmed while we wait?”
Our Foundation, The Tony Foundation, has supported William’s work leading Children’s Ground since 2022 in their efforts to create lasting change for future generations. The First Nations-led organisation aims to break the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage by supporting First Nations leadership and self-determination, ensuring children grow up strong in their culture while having access to quality education, health, and economic opportunities.
William (centre, with Children’s Ground CEO Jane Vadiveloo, left) was invited to sit on the Prime Minister’s table to represent both the many generations who were stolen, and Children’s Ground, at the Apology to the Stolen Generations breakfast in Canberra. (Image: Children’s Ground)
As we reflect on William’s words, the outcome of The Voice Referendum reminds us of the ongoing need for meaningful action toward recognition, justice, and self-determination for First Nations peoples. While the result was not as many, including Alberts, hoped, it reinforces the importance of continuing to listen to and empower First Nations voices.
We encourage you to listen to William’s powerful words here.
(Feature image: courtesy of Children’s Ground)
