National Sorry Day in Australia Date in the current year: May 26, 2024

National Sorry Day has been observed since 1997, and it is connected with the Australian government policies. During the 20th century Australian government was separating children, often forcibly, in aboriginal families from their parents in the interest of turning them into white Australians. This policy resulted in a so-called Stolen Generation.

National Sorry Day is very important observance for the Stolen Generation, aboriginal, Torres Strait Islanders and non-indigenous Australians, because it reminds and raises awareness among politicians and public about the significance of the forcible removal policy and its influence on the children, families and communities.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd of Australia made federal apology to the Stolen Generation in 2008. Tom Calma AO, who then was Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, and Australian Human Rights Commission delivered the formal response to the apology.