Shayne Neumann (Blair, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The 26th of May is a significant date in our national calendar. Today we reflect on the profound grief and trauma experienced by members of the stolen generations as we mark National Sorry Day. National Sorry Day this year marks the 17th anniversary of the 1997 Bringing them home report which outlined the extent of forcible removal policies that had been used to separate Indigenous children from their families. It is an opportunity for each and every Australian to reflect and pay tribute to the stolen generations and their families, and to acknowledge the pain, grief and intergenerational impacts of forced removal policies, not only on the children that were taken but also on their families and communities.

In 2008, the Australian government delivered the national apology on behalf of the nation. Kevin Rudd stood up and delivered it in this place. We said sorry for the pain and suffering caused by past government policies and practices, in particular to the stolen generations, who were robbed of families, language, culture and land. It was a watershed moment and an important step in our journey of healing and reconciliation.

I would like to acknowledge the special place of the Healing Foundation and the vital role it continues to play in the ongoing efforts towards traditional healing and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Healing is an important part of our national reconciliation journey and I encourage all Australians to come together to commemorate National Sorry Day. (Time expired)