Victorian Government Apology

Victorian Government Apology 

The Allan Labor Government will make a historic formal apology in Parliament to Victorians who experienced historical abuse and neglect as children in institutional care before 1990 on Thursday 8 February 2024 at 11.30am.

Below is information about the ways impacted Victorians, their families, carers, and support people can view the Apology.

Parliament House

There was a limited number of places via Open Place available for Forgotten Australians to attend Parliament House on the day. Open Place held a ballot for those who were interested and those people who were selected have now been contacted.

Live Stream at Open Place

We invite you to share with fellow service users and the Open Place team in watching the live stream at Open Place Drop-in Centre from 10am on Thursday 8th February.

Light refreshments will be served at the Open Place Drop-in Centre - 1/8 Bromham Place, Richmond.

For catering purposes, please RSVP to Open Place reception on 1800 779 379 (free call) or 03 94216162 if you will be attending. 

Live streaming the Apology (online)

The apology will be live streamed on the Parliament website and people can watch it from their computer or mobile device wherever they are.

The live stream will be available on Thursday 8 February 2024 at http://new.parliament.vic.gov.au/. A link to the live stream will be found on the front page of the Parliament website and will go live at 11.30am.

Regional gatherings to watch the Apology

The Victorian government invite people to watch the Apology at venues in Geelong, Ballarat and Sale. The Apology will be followed by refreshments. Counsellor support staff will be on site if anyone needs this support on the day.

To register to attend, please email dffhevents@dffh.vic.gov.au or call 0487 353 831 to register. Someone is available on the phone line, Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm.

• Geelong live stream will be at Geelong Events Centre
- Address: Rydges Hotel Geelong, cnr Gheringhap & Little Myers Street, Geelong VIC
- Room: Kardinia
- Time: arrival at 11am for an 11.30am start

• Ballarat live stream will be at Mercure Hotel and Convention Centre
- Address: 613 Main Road, Ballarat VIC
- Room: The Conservatory Room
- Time: arrival at 11am for an 11.30am start
- Open Place representative will attend.

• Sale live stream will be at Port of Sale
- Address: 70 Foster St, Sale VIC
- Room: Wellington Room
- Time: arrival at 11am for an 11.30am start
- Open Place representative will attend.

Please note: each location has a maximum capacity they can host, so please register your attendance, noting any accessibility requirements and if a support person will be attending with you.

More information
• If you have questions about the regional gatherings to watch the Apology or cannot register online, please email dffhevents@dffh.vic.gov.au or call 0487 353 831.
• If you have any questions about the Apology at Parliament House, please email StateEvents@dpc.vic.gov.au or call 0427 498 750.