Why the Thalidomide Apology Reignited Our Fight

On 29 November 2023, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stood in Parliament and apologised to Thalidomide survivors. It was solemn. It was specific. And it was backed by action.

Survivors received indexed payments. Support programs were reopened. A permanent memorial was co-designed with those affected. The apology named the harm, acknowledged systemic failure, and recognised not just individuals—but families.

It was everything an apology should be.

For survivors of forced adoption, it was a moment of painful clarity. We didn’t resent the Thalidomide community’s justice. We respected it. But we saw, unmistakably, what had been denied to us.

In 2013, Prime Minister Julia Gillard apologised to those affected by forced adoption. It was heartfelt. It was historic. But it wasn’t followed by action. No redress. No legal accountability. No guaranteed access to our own records. No memorial. No financial recognition. Just words.

The Thalidomide Apology showed us what happens when governments choose to act. It proved that justice is not impossible—it’s political.

We are not asking for acknowledgment. We are demanding the same dignity, the same justice, and the same commitment to truth.

Because this is not history. This is now.

Sources
National Apology to Thalidomide Survivors – Health.gov.au / ABC News: Emotional scenes at Thalidomide Apology / Prime Minister’s Office: Memorial and Indexed Payments / Attorney-General’s Department: Forced Adoption Apology / ABC News: WA Survivors Disappointed by Government Response / ABC News: Forced Adoption Redress Inquiry / Precedent Journal: Legal Redress for Forced Adoption