Indigenous Response to Apology Explained

Oct 16, 2024

Lecture Notes: Mr. Tom Calmer's Indigenous Response to the Apology

Introduction

  • Speaker: Mr. Tom Calmer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner.
  • Occasion: Indigenous response to the parliamentary apology to the Stolen Generations.
  • Acknowledgments:
    • Ngunnawal peoples, traditional landowners.
    • Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson, Minister Jenny Macklin, former Prime Ministers, and members of the Stolen Generations.

Historical Context

  • Significance: Parliament's acknowledgment of past policies of forcibly removing Indigenous children.
  • Impact: Recognition of the suffering, loss, resilience, and dignity of the Stolen Generations.

Personal Connection

  • Family History: Mr. Calmer shared a personal story of his great-grandmother taken away in the early 20th century.
  • Documentation: Mentioned a document listing half-castes, showing the separation of families.

Meaning of Apology

  • Not about Guilt: Focus on belonging and understanding the past.
  • Bringing Them Home Report: Importance of listening and addressing past devastation for reconciliation.
  • Foundations for Healing: The apology is a step towards a reconciled Australia.

Broader Implications

  • For All Australians: The apology allows all Australians to move forward with shared aspirations.
  • Division and Reconciliation: Previous denial and rebuffing of the Stolen Generations experiences re-traumatized many.

Leadership and Unity

  • Appreciation:
    • Prime Minister and Minister Jenny Macklin for leadership.
    • Opposition Leader for bipartisan support.
  • Call for Unity: Need to unite diverse elements of society.

Future Steps and Recommendations

  • Partnership: Formation of partnerships with Stolen Generations groups.
  • Needs of Stolen Generations: Recognize unmet needs and underfunding of support organizations.
  • Implementation of Recommendations: Full execution of 'Bringing Them Home' report recommendations.

Call to Action

  • State and Territory Government Involvement: Urged participation in addressing unfinished business.
  • Federal Leadership: Federal Government to lead national processes for implementing recommendations.

Conclusion

  • Acknowledgment:
    • Non-Indigenous Australians supporting reconciliation.
    • Stolen Generations' resilience and dignity.
  • Healing Process: Encouragement for healing of individuals and the nation.

Closing: Let the healing begin for the nation and for those affected by the policies of the past.