About the display

On 21 March 2013, former Prime Minister the Hon Julia Gillard AC offered an apology on behalf of the nation to Australians affected by forced adoption and removal practices between 1950 and 1975.

She delivered the apology in the Great Hall of Parliament House. The apology acknowledged that the forced separation of mothers from babies ‘created a lifelong legacy of pain and suffering'.

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the apology, Parliament House has curated an audio-visual display of speeches given in the Great Hall on 21 March 2013. The display includes the full Apology delivered by former Prime Minister the Hon Julia Gillard AC and responses from former MP the Hon Steve Irons and former Senator Rachel Siewert.

While you’re at Parliament House you can also see a copy of the Apology on display near the Presiding Officer’s Exhibition Area on level 1.

Please note this display contains content that may be distressing.

If this content brings up strong feelings or raises questions for you, there are many services and support groups available to assist you.

24-hour telephone assistance is available through Lifeline: 13 11 14

Image: AUSPIC, Department of Parliamentary Services, Parliament of Australia