Today marks the 7^th anniversary of the National Apology to Indigenous Australians, in particular the Stolen Generations.

 

On this day seven years ago, Australians stood together to acknowledge the terrible injustices caused by past government practices.

 

In one voice, our nation said sorry for the pain and suffering experienced by so many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

 

Seven years later, Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians still draw inspiration from the Apology.

 

None who were there that day will ever forget the moment.

 

We will never forget the powerful uplifting sense of national healing – of a nation shining a light on the dark shadow in its history.

 

Today we pause to reflect on the enduring significance of the National Apology.

 

We pay tribute to Kevin Rudd for his vision and leadership in bringing our nation together in this way.

 

And we thank those brave people who shared their story in the spirit of reconciliation.

 

The Apology was never just about righting the wrongs of the past – it was a declaration of intent.

 

The Apology was the sign and signal of our nation’s determination to Close the Gap and deliver longer, better and happier lives for the first Australians.

 

That mission endures, and we rededicate ourselves to it – today and every day.

 

FRIDAY, 13 FEBRUARY 2015


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