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A U S T R A L I A N   E M B A S S Y   A N K A R A
MEDIA RELEASE

13 February 2008

The Australian Govenment Apologises to Members of the Stolen Generation

The Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has made a formal apology to the Stolen Generation and their families today on behalf of the Australian Government.
The apology was the first item of business in the new Parliament, following the federal election in November 2007.

The 'Stolen Generation' is a term used to describe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families under past government policies.

"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 the fathers, the brothers and the 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," Rudd said.

"We apologise for the laws and policies of successive parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians.’

"We apologise especially for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, their communities and their country.’

"For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry," the Prime Minister said.

The apology is a powerful symbol of a new partnership between the Government and Indigenous people. The Government is committed to work with Indigenous communities to improve services aimed at closing the 17-year life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The Government has committed to an AUD 261 million investment in improving the health of Indigenous children. The Government has also committed an extra AUD 15 million towards counselling and helping members of the Stolen Generation reconnect with their families.

Around 17 members of the Stolen Generation were present in the House of Representatives chamber. The apology was broadcast nationally on ABC television and radio, as well as on the internet.

Hundreds of people who had gathered to watch the apology on big screens placed on the lawns in front of Parliament House then joined in a celebration which included Indigenous performers. Around the country events organised by State and Territory Governments acknowledged and celebrated the national apology.
For further information: www.pm.gov.au

For media contact: Elif Barutcuoglu-Wade, Public Diplomacy Manager
Phone: 0312-459 9504
e-mail: elif.barutcuoglu-wade@dfat.gov.au

PRIME MINISTER’S STATEMENT:
Today we honour the Indigenous peoples of this land, the oldest continuing cultures in human history.
We reflect on their past mistreatment.
We reflect in particular on the mistreatment of those who were Stolen Generations - this blemished chapter in our nation's history.
The time has now come for the nation to turn a new page in Australia's history by righting the wrongs of the past and so moving forward with confidence to the future.
We apologise for the laws and policies of successive Parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians.
We apologise especially for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, their communities and their country.
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 the fathers, the brothers and the 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.
We the Parliament of Australia respectfully request that this apology be received in the spirit in which it is offered as part of the healing of the nation.
For the future we take heart; resolving that this new page in the history of our great continent can now be written.
We today take this first step by acknowledging the past and laying claim to a future that embraces all Australians.
A future where this Parliament resolves that the injustices of the past must never, never happen again.
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.
A future where we embrace the possibility of new solutions to enduring problems where old approaches have failed.
A future based on mutual respect, mutual resolve and mutual responsibility.
A future 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, Australia."