Linda Burney (Barton, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Preventing Family Violence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I acknowledge everyone's contributions in reminding us of the momentous occasion 11 years ago in this chamber—Kevin Rudd's apology to the stolen generations. With these words, the then Prime Minister said:

… 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.

The member for Jagajaga has just spoken about the importance of truth-telling, and it was a day—and many of you were here—where the truth was truly told in this place on behalf of the peoples of this country. What we do here does matter, and it does very much set the mood and the way in which the nation sees and feels itself. That day marked the acknowledgement of the truth of this nation—the removal of Aboriginal children from country and culture, and the destruction of families and communities.

Tomorrow the Prime Minister will deliver the Closing the gap report. We await hearing what is in that report. We know there is much work to do and we also know that that work will not be done properly unless First Nations people are part of the solutions. The apology that took place in this place 11 years ago did mark the beginning of truth-telling in our nation.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members' statements has concluded.