Apology to the Stolen Generations

Current topic
Published in the HealthBulletin
Posted on:
10 January, 2008
Issue
Vol 8 No 1 January 2008 - March 2008
Related topics
Article type Current topics

The following information has been adapted from information provided by ABC news.

The Federal Government made a formal apology to the members of the Stolen Generation on 13 February 2008. Parliament’s opening ceremony included a traditional Welcome to Country by members of the Ngunnawal people and the first item of business was the apology, delivered by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

Prime Minister Rudd apologised for the laws and policies of successive parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss, and especially for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, communities and their country.

He used the word ‘sorry’ three times:

‘For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry.’

‘To the mothers and fathers, the brothers and sisters, for the breaking up of families and communities, we say sorry.’

‘And for the indignity and degradation thus inflicted on a proud people and a proud culture, we say sorry.’

He says it is the first step where the Parliament resolves the injustices of the past, which must never happen again.
With a future:

  • where we harness the determination of all Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to close the gap that lies between us in life expectancy, educational achievement and economic opportunity.
  • where we embrace the possibility of new solutions to enduring problems where old approaches have changed.
  • based on mutual respect, mutual resolve and mutual responsibility.
  • where all Australians, whatever their origins, are truly equal partners, with equal opportunities and with an equal stake in shaping the next chapter in the history of this great country.

Thousands of people around the country gathered to watch the apology on large TV screens.

 

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