Monday 13 February 2023 was a significant day for First Nations Australians. 15 years ago was the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, acknowledging the profound harms and trauma inflicted to First Nations people.

The then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said sorry, one of the first steps towards healing, but we are still such a long way from closing the gap, from a true voice in parliament , or anywhere, and to stopping discrimination, stigma and racism.

As I think about this, I can’t help but relate it to the known violence, abuse and neglect in residential care in Australia.

We need to close the gap for older Australians and people with dementia too.

An apology for anything, without changed behaviour is little more than manipulation; there’s still much work to do to address ongoing impacts of colonisation.

In my Witness Statement to the Royal Commission into Quality and Safety in Aged Care in Australia, I claimed one day governments (and others) will have to say sorry to people with dementia and anyone else living in residential aged care in Australia.

Perpetrators, and those who develop or approve of systems that allow violence, abuse and neglect of anyone of residential care must be made accountable.

Sadly, I still believe this, and know that other forms of redress, reparations and restitution will be necessary, but are still not on the government’s agenda, nor did they make it into the list of 148 Recommendations from the Royal Commission.

An apology will never be enough.

A new research project or website claiming to promote better care and support will never be enough.

A new book by an ‘expert’ will never be enough.

Governments and providers must be held accountable for all forms of abuses and violations of rights of people in detention.

This includes anyone locked inside a residential aged ‘care’ facility..

I want change, and we all need action, now.