Indigenous Australians who were forcibly removed from their families under government assimilation policies experience significantly worse physical and health outcomes compared to both the broader Indigenous community and non-Indigenous populations, according to a new report.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) produced the findings at the request of the Healing Foundation, a leading advocacy organization that supports Stolen Generations survivors and their descendants. The report expands upon data previously released in 2023.
Key findings indicate that survivors are more likely to live with severe or profound disabilities. The commissioning body, the Healing Foundation, aims to build on existing evidence to better address the lasting impacts of these historical policies on First Nations peoples.
I had no idea the disability rates were this significantly higher. Thank you for sharing these important findings.
How does the current government plan to address this? The facts are clear, so where is the action?
This report is heartbreaking but necessary. We need more funding for support services, not just studies.