Apology still resonates but there’s work to do

“I move: that 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.”

Those in the public gallery of the House of Representatives were transfixed, listening intently, waiting for that important word.

Those who came from across the nation to gather outside on the lawns in their thousands, also sat waiting for the word that, for so long, was so hard to say.

“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.”

The prime minister — Kevin Rudd — continued to speak, his words directed to a silent crowd early on the morning of February 13, 2008.

It was the National Apology to the Stolen Generations. An apology that was so long in the making.

As Mr Rudd continued, silent tears trickled down cheeks, arms reached out offering comfort as a deep stillness settled over those who had gathered in the parliamentary gallery, outside on the lawns and in groups all around the country.

Sorry.

It was the word everyone had hoped to hear. And it was said not once, but three times.

The Apology continued:

“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.”

When Mr Rudd sat down, having tackled “this unfinished business of the nation, to remove a great stain from the nation’s soul and, in a true spirit of reconciliation, to open a new chapter in the history of this great land, Australia”, there was an eruption of whistles, cheers and foot stamping.

Tears flowed.

For those gathered in Parliament House in Canberra or on the lawns out the front, those in parks, public spaces, schools, clubs and workplaces across the nation there was a sense of release.

This four minutes and three seconds had tapped into a deep well of hurt, pain and sorrow.

At last, there was formal recognition — by the Parliament of Australia — of the impacts of the cruel and inhumane government laws, policies and practices on the First Nations’ peoples of Australia since colonisation.

Dr Tom Calma, the then Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, responded:

“Through one direct act, the parliament has acknowledged the existence and the impacts of past policies and practices of forcibly removing Indigenous children from their families, and by doing so has paid respect to the Stolen Generations for their suffering and their loss, and for their resilience, and ultimately, for their dignity.”

But, 14 years after the National Apology, it is appropriate to reflect on what progress has been made.

“A future where all Australians ... are truly equal partners, with equal opportunities and with an equal stake in shaping the next chapter in the history of this great country” — this is the challenge for our nation.

While many people today are not to blame for past decisions of governments and organisations, we all have a responsibility to deal with the impacts now.

First Nations’ peoples across our country know about the issues facing their peoples, and like everyone else, can thrive when they are able to make decisions for themselves. We can stand as allies and support their calls for action.

So, to be able to do this effectively, the first step is to find out more.

Read the transcript of the National Apology or view the video: https://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/our-country/our-people/apology-to-australias-indigenous-peoples

Read the recommendations of the Bringing Them Home Report: https://www.humanrights.gov.au/publications/bringing-them-home-report-1997