About the National Apology Foundation

  • The National Apology Foundation’s works to advance reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. In doing so, we try not to replicate the good work done by other organisations.

    In schools
    We conduct school visits around the country to discuss the Apology and the path to reconciliation. Our co-chair Kevin Rudd is also known to play the occasional game of handball with students as well. Click here to register your school’s interest.

    In the media
    We conduct public advocacy through media and parliamentary inquiries. We monitor progress on Closing the Gap and deliver our assessment each year at the National Apology Breakfast hosted by Message Stick. In 2023, we launched a new podcast.

    In the community
    The National Apology Foundation also delivers on-the-ground support to Indigenous Australians to support Closing the Gap outcomes. For example, in 2021, we supported regional and remote health services by delivering 18 medical refrigerators and freezers to support community vaccination.

  • The National Apology Foundation was announced by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in his final speech to the Australian Parliament.

    1. To perpetuate the spirit and the substance of the National Apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians to future generations of Australians once the events of 2008 fade from national memory;

    2. To sustain the bipartisan support the Apology has had so far into the future;

    3. To monitor progress in “Closing the Gap” between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, as outlined in the 2008 Apology Statement, emphasising both positive progress as well as areas where the gap is not being closed;

    4. To support, in particular, closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in education by raising funds and contributing those funds to existing non-government institutions engaged in this mission; and

    5. To support, where possible and appropriate, Indigenous peoples internationally and their efforts to achieve reconciliation in their own countries.

  • Yes. The National Apology Foundation is a registered charity, designated as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). This means that, if you make a gift or contribution to the National Apology Foundation, you may be able to claim a tax deduction.

    Click ‘Support’ above to contribute to our work.

  • Each year, the National Apology Foundation produces an Annual Financial Report and an Annual Information Statement. These are submitted to the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission. Click here to be taken to the ACNC website.

  • Yes. The National Apology Foundation strongly supports the Uluru Statement from the Heart, including the creation of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution. The Voice will be important to achieving the national Closing the Gap targets.

    For more information, visit ulurustatement.org