Monday 13 February is the 15th anniversary of the Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples.
Given by then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, the Apology was a watershed moment for reconciliation in Australia.
The Apology focused particularly on the Stolen Generations, and the pain and trauma caused by the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families and communities.
It recognised and acknowledged the historical and ongoing harm done to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and its ongoing impact in contemporary Australia.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner at the time, Dr Tom Calma, delivered a powerful response to the Apology.
‘By acknowledging and paying respect, Parliament has now laid the foundations for healing to take place, and for a reconciled Australia in which everyone belongs,’ Dr Calma said.
‘Today’s actions enable every single one of us to move forward together – with joint aspirations and a national story that contains a shared past and future.’
Since that day, Australia has taken further steps towards reconciliation.
The first Closing the Gap report was tabled in the Australian Parliament in 2009. A total of 12 reports have been published since, each one a measuring stick on reform in critical health, education and employment outcomes.
Corporate Australia has taken steps to increase the number of First Nations people they employ, with many companies setting themselves minimum employment targets.
As well, all Commonwealth, State and Territory governments have established procurement targets, to increase the volume of goods and services bought from Indigenous-owned businesses. These initiatives are having a positive impact on Indigenous employment levels across industries such as construction, office supplies and hospitality.
The Stolen Generations Working Partnership, set up after the Apology, enables Government, service providers and members of the Stolen Generations to work together and address ongoing needs. Priority issues include access to services, healing, justice system supports, and education for both the public and teachers about the Stolen Generations.
Strides have also been taken in the political sphere. In 2019, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM became the first Aboriginal person to sit in Cabinet when he was appointed as the first Indigenous Minister for Indigenous Australians.
Today there are 8 Senators and 3 members of the House of Representatives who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, including the current Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Linda Burney.
In 2019 the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) was established to lead and coordinate Commonwealth policy development, program design and service delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It also advises the Australian Government and leads on whole of government priorities, Closing the Gap targets and activities to promote reconciliation.
Most recently, the Australian Government has announced that a referendum will be held to ask Australians whether they support an Indigenous Voice to Parliament being enshrined in the Constitution.
In his landmark speech at last year’s Garma Festival, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said ‘I am hoping we can progress the efforts of good-willed, hard-working people who want to see the nation move forward and justice realised. Recognising that this is one of the steps in our nation’s journey of healing.’
While the healing process of reconciliation continues, today we take the opportunity to reflect on the intent of former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s original words: 'A future where all Australians, whatever their origins, are truly equal partners, with equal opportunities and with equal stake in shaping the next chapter in history of this great country, Australia.'