Media Releases

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell will attend a community breakfast in Melbourne tomorrow morning to mark the anniversary of the Federal Parliament’s national apology to the stolen generation.

“The formal national apology to the stolen generations by the Australian Parliament was another important step in Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australia’s collective journey to recognition, respect and reconciliation,” Mrs Powell said.

“So often the place to begin meaningful discussions regarding past injustices is with an acknowledgement of the wrong committed and an apology for the injury suffered.

“I was proud to be a member of the Victorian Parliament when it offered its apology to the stolen generation in 1997,” Mrs Powell said.

The motion that was passed unanimously by the Victorian Parliament read:

That this house apologises to the Aboriginal people on behalf of all Victorians for the past policies under which Aboriginal children were removed from their families and expresses deep regret at the hurt and
distress this has caused and reaffirms its support for reconciliation between all Australians.

There are a range of initiatives in place to support the stolen generations, including better co-ordinated counselling and family re-union services, support for the Koorie Family History Service, improved access to
public records and ongoing education about and awareness of stolen generation issues.

“While we should not forget the injustices of the past we must also provide Aboriginal people with access to the wonderful opportunities that Victoria and Australia offer,” Mrs Powell said.