National Reconciliation Week 2026

Australia celebrates National Reconciliation Week (NRW) annually from 27 May to 3 June to commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey—the successful 1967 referendum to change how Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people were referred to in the Constitution (27 May), and the High Court Mabo decision (3 June).

NRW (led nationally by Reconciliation Australia) is an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate and deepen their understanding of the rich histories, cultures and contributions of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people.

The 2026 theme, All In, reminds Queenslanders that reconciliation is not just an aspiration but an ongoing responsibility we all share. It makes clear that reconciliation is not a spectator sport and that all of us must step away from the sidelines and take actions that create change. It’s an active call-out for all of us to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day and to turn our words into action.

Our work in this Office directly impacts Aboriginal communities and Torres Strait Islander communities. In 2024–25:

• of the complainants who provided demographic information, 42% identified as Aboriginal people or Torres Strait islander people
• 72% of children in Queensland youth detention centres were of First Nations background (compared to 11% of our youth population (10–17 years old))
• 40% of adult prisoners identified as First Nations people (compared to the estimated 5% of the total Queensland population from 2021 census data).

Josh, one of our Senior Advisors – Engagement, and a proud Kamilaroi man, commented on the Office’s work and the figures in relation to reconciliation.

“These figures highlight the importance of ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are heard, respected and reflected in meaningful change and improved outcomes for communities,” said Josh.

Our work in complaint investigation and detention centre inspections helps create change for Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people by:

• listening to and providing a safe place for complainants to raise issues
• identifying improvements for cultural support in detention centres.

Reconciliation will not happen by itself, and it will not happen without all of us.

Learn more about NRW >