From the National Civil Society Dialogue

We welcome the apology to the stolen generations from the federal government.

An apology to Indigenous Australians for the wrongs committed in the past is vital to the dignity of our nation.

‘Sorry’ is no mere word. It is a symbol to unite Australia and allow us to move forward with mutual respect between all who live in this country. This formal apology from Parliament gives us a common voice to overcome past injustices.

Australians have a shared history we must acknowledge. We cannot expect healing and reconciliation until we recognise the devastating and long-term consequences to Indigenous communities of past policies and practices. It is evident these policies were wrong and have caused tremendous harm to generations of Indigenous families.

This apology for the forcible removal of children from their communities and families must also be a springboard for urgent practical action to achieve a fair and decent Australia. 

It provides the foundation for constructing a future where Indigenous and non-Indigenous people receive the same standards of health, education and employment opportunities to fully participate in the life of this country.

We reach out to the First Peoples of this land to mark a new stage of our life together. In understanding of what has gone before, we now look forward to creating a future based on dignity and mutual respect.

Foundation sponsors of the National Civil Society Dialogue:

Rev John Henderson, General Secretary, National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA)
Andrew Johnson, Executive Director, Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS)
Don Henry, Executive Director, Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF)
Sharan Burrow, President, Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU)

For more information, please call Shannon Walker on 0414 694 476