The National Apology
The Australian Government apologises to members of the Stolen Generations
On 13 February 2008 the Prime Minister, the Hon. Kevin Rudd MP, moved a motion of Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples with specific reference to the Stolen Generations. The Prime Minister described it as an occasion 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 in the future'.The motion 'honour[ed] the Indigenous peoples of this land' and reflected '... in particular on the mistreatment of those who were Stolen Generations...'; 'For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry.'
The National Apology passed with bipartisan support and received a standing ovation from the floor of the House of Representatives as well as from the public gallery. The Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Brendan Nelson MP, and the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Hon. Jenny Macklin MP, then shook hands with members of the Stolen Generations seated in the distinguished visitors' gallery.
The Australian Government assisted more than 100 members of the Stolen Generations to travel to Canberra to be present in the House of Representatives Gallery at Parliament House for the National Apology. Leaders of the Stolen Generations Alliance and the National Sorry Day Committee were in Parliament as the Prime Minister offered the apology. Others viewed proceedings from screens set up in the Great Hall.
Thousands of Indigenous and other Australians viewed the National Apology from the lawns outside Parliament House where they were entertained by a concert featuring Indigenous performers. The National Apology was broadcast live around Australia.
Speeches
Media releases
10 February 2008 - Stolen Generations invited to Parliament for the National Apology8 February 2008 - Special arrangements for National Apology day
11 December 2007 - Working Together Towards Reconciliation