Webdiary - Founded and Inspired by Margo Kingston |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
Sorry
UPDATE: This is the full text of the apology to the Stolen Generations that Prime Minister Rudd will be delivering in Parliament tomorrow:
February 12, 2008
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's apology motion has been tabled in Parliament:
Today we honour the Indigenous peoples of this land, the oldest continuing cultures in human history.
We reflect on their past mistreatment.
We reflect in particular on the mistreatment of those who were Stolen Generations – this blemished chapter in our nation’s history.
The time has now come for the nation to turn a new page in Australia’s history by righting the wrongs of the past and so moving forward with confidence to the future.
We apologise for the laws and policies of successive Parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians.
We apologise especially for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, their communities and their country.
For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry.
To the mothers and fathers, the brothers and sisters, for the breaking up of families and communities, we say sorry.
And for the indignity and degradation thus inflicted on a proud people and a proud culture, we say sorry.
We the Parliament of Australia respectfully request that this apology be received in the spirit in which it is offered as part of the healing of the nation.
For the future we take heart; resolving that this new page in the history of our great continent can now be written.
We today take this first step by acknowledging the past and laying claim to a future that embraces all Australian.
A future where this Parliament resolves that the injustices of the past must never, never happen again.
A future where we harness the determination of all Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to close the gap that lies between us in life expectancy, educational achievement and economic opportunity.
A future where we embrace the possibility of new solutions to enduring problems where old approaches have changed.
A future based on mutual respect, mutual resolve and mutual responsibility.
A future where all Australians, whatever their origins, are truly equal partners, with equal opportunities and with an equal stake in shaping the next chapter in the history of this great country.
 |
|
 |
 |
| © 2005-2011, Webdiary Pty Ltd |
| Disclaimer: | This site is home to many debates, and the views expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the site editors. Contributors submit comments on their own responsibility: if you believe that a comment is incorrect or offensive in any way, please submit a comment to that effect and we will make corrections or deletions as necessary. |
Well
Scott Dunmore, your sarcasm is appreciated.
But I need something deeper, I don’t believe for one minute that this means a change of heart.
I simply see no foundation for a society based on human values.
That is just my opinion, based on what my values are.
Fast response
Fiona, I can take no credit for that, the reponse was not to you and happened seconds after my first post to cover my embarassment at completely misunderstanding Charles' position. I should have known better than to rip off a quick reply, half asleep at 11.30 pm. Perhaps this Charles explains your perception of sarcasm in my second post. It wasn't; I was belatedly appreciating yours.
On the subject, some thoughts.
For those that need an explanation of our problem I recommend "Weasel words won't hide monstrous shame"
The significance of today's events will ultimately be measured by the results of subsequent actions. Immediately it is a good thing, it has obviously alleviated some of the pain and given hope however misplaced it may be.
The social disfunction that we have involving peoples of aboriginal descent is a complex issue, there is not one problem but many. I will address only one, that of people of mixed blood. For remote communities I see little or no hope.
I operate in a small country town and employ and am neighbour to the former. Many of them reflect the circumstances of their birth and social inheritance. Some carry a chip on their shoulder the size of all outdoors, others less so but too many of them are disadvantaged.
In rural Australia there is a self stroking cycle at work, it started with the criminals' habit of blaming the victims for their plight so that it became part of the white culture. For those of aboriginal descent, disenfranchised and marginalised, their behaviour reflected their position. Mainstream attitudes and the behaviour were thus reinforced. As was said by Jane Elliot in "Blue eyes, brown eyes" it is easy to get people to live down to your expectations. How this cycle can be broken I'm not sure but without intervention I know that it can't. Perhaps community workshops along the same lines could help, that an explanation of why things work the way they do could bring some enlightenment for both parties. This situation has taken two hundred years to develop and if left to itself would take at least that long to devolve.
Whatever happens it's going to take a long time; time I doubt this civilisation has.
Breaking the cycle
Scott, thank you for your courteous response to my teasing (truly, that's all it was meant to be).
Thank you too for your thoughts on how mainstream and marginalised might attain enlightenment. It's a problem that is also of concern to me from a practical perspective, given that I am privileged from time to time to work in a remote NT community.
There's no magic cure-all: everything takes time, consultation, and above all - respect. In particular individual members of the mainstream need to cultivate sufficient sensitivity to realise that they have offended and to say "sorry" at once.
Whether this civilization has time left in which to break the cycle I don't know, but at least we should make and continue the effort.
Sweet Dreams Fi..ona
Heck Fiona, I read everything you write! Can't wait for tomorrow!
You're lucky, you are only a pumpkin! Me! I've always been a witch. Just ask the other half.
Forget Noel Pearson
Sorry Kathy, but Noel Pearson has just become too much of an available indigenous rent-a-quote mouth for me to stomach.
It was only a few months ago he was lashing out at Kevin Rudd for not saying he would say "sorry". This - after eleven bloody years of supporting Howard's every vile retrograde move against indigenous Australians.
Never ever once did Pearson pull up Howard on his refusal to say sorry or offer compensation.
No sorry - Pearson has missed the boat and is best forgotten. He doesn't deserve a place in this episode.
Sorry Michael
You obviously didn't read Noel's piece in the Australian today, Michael. You do him a great disservice by refering to him as an "available indigenous rent-a-quote mouth". Quite uncharitable and insulting! Surely he would understand the feelings of his own people better than you or me?
He makes a very cogent arguement.
Forget about Howard, Michael. He is history!
Pearson has missed the boat? No, I think you are definitely mistaken there! He is a credit to his people.He tells it how it is. He's a smart fella is Noel.
Fiona: In that case, Kathy, why are so many of "his" people opposed to his views?
Sorry just don't cut it.
Hi Fiona. "Why are so many of "his"people opposed to his views" Can you be specific?
And have you read Noel's very thoughtful piece (IMHO) in the Australian today. This is a very complex situation, that will not be solved by just saying "sorry". It certainly runs much deeper than that..
Noel did a very good job of pointing out the pitfalls, I think.
Pearson
Yes, Kathy, I did read Pearson in today's Australian. I agree with him that the situation is complex and that "sorry" is not a magic cure-all - as I tried to suggest in my earlier comments. (Have you read them, by the way?)
You will have to wait until tomorrow for chapter and verse on people - indigenous Australians moreover - who disagree with Pearson's "solution".Meanwhile, the witching hour has struck and I've turned into a pumpkin.
Tomorrow Is A Great Day In Our History
"Sorry" is just the beginning. Mark my words - it's like a snowball that will gradually grow and grow. Compensation will come but it will take time.
Just as later generations of Germans have embraced the horrors of their recent past and made reparations - just as the Japanese have done likewise - so will Australians be drawn, some kicking and screaming to the table. But it will be done.
Just one little twit will be forgotten and left muttering on the golf course.
Fiona: Fore, Michael.
Sorry First Step
And now we could seek full implementation of the recommendations of the Bringing Them Home report.
Symbolic and practical reconciliation
Kathy and Dylan, I've been too busy over the past week or so to keep proper records of what I have heard and/or read and where. However, I will argue with both of you about the value of "sorry" without (presumably) monetary compensation.
Over and over again I have heard and read statements like "We don't care about the money - it is the word that's important."
A shining example is that of Lorna Cubillo, who was one of the plaintiffs seeking compensation in an unsuccessful action in the High Court against the Commonwealth. Fast forward to this week:
It is also important to remember that the apology neither assists nor precludes individual indigenous Australians from seeking compensation through the courts - the problem that they will always face, however, is that for a claim based in negligence, or breach of statutory duty or any other tort (civil wrong) to succeed, the plaintiff has to establish that the damage suffered was caused by the defendant in circumstances where it was reasonable to expect the defendant to take steps to prevent the harm. Not an easy call.
To my mind, the apology is only a beginning. Mr Rudd has already said that one of the aims of his government will be to reduce the disparity in life expectancy between indigenous and other Australians. That seems to me a remarkably sensible goal, even though it will take considerable effort to achieve. It will require all sorts of action from health through housing, proper services (water, electricity, sewerage, policing) to education. All, of course, with full involvement of the communities concerned. Further, I don't think that anything that Mr Rudd has so far said rules out the later establishment of some compensation process - perhaps like that most recently conducted in Tasmania. However, if that were to happen, I would be very surprised if all potential claimants were to avail themselves of the possibility.
The importance of the apology is that it is symbolic. How potent a symbol of reconciliation it will be depends on the nature of the practical reconciliation that flows from it.
As for the dismissal of a government versus an apology, Dylan, I dunno. Let's see now, one government (in power for three years) versus 220 years of oppression, deprivation, humiliation, destruction.... Yeah, a really hard call.
Symbolism versus Significance
Fiona: "As for the dismissal of a government versus an apology, Dylan, I dunno. Let's see now, one government (in power for three years) versus 220 years of oppression, deprivation, humiliation, destruction.... Yeah, a really hard call."
The dismissal of a democratically elected government seems to me, if not to you and perhaps others, of rather more significance than a symbolic apology. Imagine for a moment if the GG sacked the Rudd government next month: would the bigger story really be the 220 year late apology or the sacking of a Federal government not even a year into their term in office?
As for the follow-up on the behalf of the government, I agree that this will be the test of whether it is a stunt or a true step forward. I am sceptical that much will change but we can only wait and see if Rudd will back his words with actions. Let's hope that he is held to his word by those who support him offering this apology.
An apology? How about some real stuff
Here's mine, Prime Minister.
It's shorter than the Gettysburg address and slightly more rhetorical - dosen't even mention 11 score years.
See you on the hustings.
As sounding brass, or a tinkling symbol?
Alright, Dylan, I will grant you the possibility of significance's outweighing symbol. I'd like something vaguely measurably positive to come out of the apology. I hope that it will.
If it does, I will cheerfully maintain its significance over the sacking of a government well into its second year of office, given all the baggage that it had (remember Connor doing his inimitable imitation of financial rectitude, not to mention Cairns' imitation of I'm not quite sure what sort of rectitude and I'd rather not know anyway?).
However, I won't take on your suggestion of Jeffery's possible sacking of Rudd next month - no need to add the irreal to the ridiculous.
Compensation
Kathy and Dylan, there will be compensation ...just needs a bit of time ... most of the "rednecks" and Howard supporters are slow learners after all!
I would like to take this opportunity to also sincerely and respectfully apologise for my forebears (so called "squatters") in the Hay area of NSW for the poisoning of waterholes on "their" land so as to reduce the "black problem" in the area ... as told to me by my grandmother who was a young child at the time and kept as a family secret till ... now !
I sincerely and respectfully say SORRY!
Not Quite That Big
Fiona: "I really wish I could be in Canberra tomorrow, David. I was there on 11 November 1975, but I predict that this will be an occasion to surpass that."
It is a little hard to tell precisely what the feeling in Australia is like over Rudd's apology from where I type but my feeling is probably closer to Kathy's take than yours, Fiona.
Though personally I think this apology is not the right move, if Rudd is sincere about the damage he talks about and if he is sincere about the children he speaks about who where taken from their homes then how can he not compensate the victims? If a government department removed a child because of their race today would we not expect some financial compensation?
It seems to me more of a stunt on Rudd's part. Perhaps it is a welcome one for many but the recognition of massive wrongdoing while also ruling out any compensation suggests to me that it remains a stunt.
As for being an event which will surpass The Dismissal in importance, well, I doubt that. I am aware that the State governments have apologised to the indigenous people previously I can't for the life of me recall the wording, the date of the apology or any significantly positive changes in the lives of the aboriginal people who were apologised to emerging as a result. This Federal apology is on a grander scale, of course, and perhaps big changes will come. But an occasion to surpass the dismissal of a government? I don't think it'll be quite that significant.
Stunts
It seems to me more of a stunt on Rudd's part. Perhaps it is a welcome one for many but the recognition of massive wrongdoing while also ruling out any compensation suggests to me that it remains a stunt.
Hello there Dylan.
It's not much easier to gauge from where I type. The issue of compensation will be a much involved subject; not one properly sorted over the summer break and a change of government summer break to boot.
I'd agree that an apology - no matter how heartfelt - minus any real consequence (for want of a better word) may smack of "a stunt". If that be the case here then this "stunt" is a least a stunt performed. Something the previous government spent near on a dozen years resolutely refusing to perform - other than a last minute election stunt to include native Australians in a constitutional preamble.
In general one would expect an apology to be followed, in due course, by action that addresses the wrong. That may yet follow.
Father Park
Communication
About 15 years ago I travelled in Japan with a bush band and an ensemble of indigenous performers. Both Australian flags were displayed at every civic event, and much communication was translated from Pitjanjarra to English to Japanese and back again, as a mark of respect to our local indigenous culture.
When our kids are learning their local aboriginal language at school, we'll be on the right track.
Toward the right track
Richard, I absolutely agree with you that when our kids are learning their local aboriginal language at school, we'll be on the right track.
I've always felt a yearning to learn some of the languages of the indigenous people of this land.
I've learned just a little of the language of the Yakulit-wilam people, one clan in a language group known as the Bunurong. I've learned enough to know that the place where I live was known as koort boork boork (meaning place of many she-oaks), a place were ceremony took place.
I yearn to learn more because I'd love to teach my children more, to connect them to this land, and to help them appreciate the culture of its original inhabitants.
Understanding
How many Aboriginals participated in a symbolic turning of their backs to Brendan Nelson today? Reports are that around 75 per cent of those in the square out front, and it sounds like quite a few in the Great Hall as well. Nelson gaffed in talking about veterans.. shit, in WW1 the Aboriginal Australians who fought had trouble getting back into the country because they weren't citizens! Then to politically cover his backside in the manner he did. The turning of backs was a powerful message.of contempt.
However, as Mick Dodson put it on ABCTV after the ceremony: "Today is not about Brendan Nelson or Noel Pearson or anyone else who is incapable of understanding how important today is to the Stolen Generations."
The day shouldn't be remembered for Nelson, or the only living ex Prime Minister who didn't attend but, for the turning point in history that it is.
As Keating says "This is a day of open hearts."
PF Journey, I had a similar problem with a fuzzy screen. As, no doubt, did many many thousands.
Call me Pollyanna
Apology to all Indigenous Australians
I've just received this email from my workplace:
Colleagues,
Tomorrow, 13 February, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will make a formal Apology to the Stolen Generations. The University is recognising this important national event with a University statement of apology to the Indigenous people of Australia.
...
STATEMENT OF APOLOGY
To the Indigenous people of Australia
From the University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne, established on the traditional land of the Kulin nation, is a community that aspires to participate in the creation of a diverse and harmonious nation. Our aim is to bring greater benefits to the Indigenous people of Australia through education and research, and to do so by involving Indigenous people in those endeavours. On behalf of the University of Melbourne, I acknowledge,
* The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the original inhabitants of the continent;
* Recognise their loss of land, children, health and kin, and the erosion of their languages, culture and lore and the manifold impacts of colonisation; and
* Australia will only become a mature nation when the past is acknowledged, so that the present can be understood and the future confidently based on the mutual recognition of aspirations and ights.
The University records its deep regrets for the injustices suffered by the Indigenous people of Australia as a result of European settlement.
On behalf of the University of Melbourne, I join with other Australians, led by the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Kevin Rudd, to say a heartfelt 'sorry' to the Stolen Generations and their families and to all Indigenous Australians who have suffered the hurt and harm caused by the forced removal of children and families and its effect on the human dignity and spirit of Indigenous Australians.
The University also acknowledges and sincerely regrets any past wrongs carried out in the name of the University which have caused distress to Indigenous Australians.
The University is committed to using the expertise and resources of its teaching and learning, research and knowledge transfer activities to make a sustained contribution to lifting the health, education and living standards of Indigenous Australians. As an institution we aim to produce the highest quality outcomes in all aspects of our academic endeavour - from the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to building our cohort of Indigenous academic and professional staff. To this end we hope to contribute to realising Indigenous aspirations and safe-guarding the ancient and rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage.
The University joins with all Australians who see in Parliament's recognition and apology a decisive moment in our nation's progress. In justice is the hope of reconciliation, in acknowledging the past the hope of the future.
Glyn Davis, Vice-Chancellor.
The Soul of our nation
Fantasy
Capitalism is finally reflecting on all past injustice.
I simply can't believe it, this is monumental.
The world will be in harmony, no more pain, no more plundering of another nations resources, we can all rest now.
History has finally come to an end.
Sent in haste
Yes Charles, I agree with you.
Fiona: Wow, that is the quickest response in recorded history to an ed comment. Thank you, Scott.
Sorry Charles, bullshit
No further comment.
Fiona: Sorry, Scott, please explain. Or expand. Oh, do tell...
It's our opportunity - let's grasp it
At my workplace there will be TV's on every floor and all who wish to watch have been invited. It's unprecedented, it's historic. What we do with it is our choice.
Fiona: I really wish I could be in Canberra tomorrow, David. I was there on 11 November 1975, but I predict that this will be an occasion to surpass that.
Nov 11th.
Fiona, to compare the Rudd stunt with the dismissal of Whitlam and his corrupt ministers is ridiculous. When we got rid of Whitlam the people of Australia got some benefit from it, this Rudd stunt will just make some people warm and fuzzy and will be forgotten quickly.
Today the majority of these people will go back to their warm cosy homes, and the Aboriginals will go back to their shanty towns. It will stay that way for another 20 years or more, because whilst Labor talks a lot nothing will be done. I can just imagine after today's ceremony Rudd would have turned to Gillard and said "Well that's Kyoto and Sorry out of the way, that will keep them quiet for a while. At least when Whitlam was sacked the people got a chance at the ballot box to toss the corrupt Labor Party out, and get the country back on track. When Labor or Liberal starts to pour money into the problem, it is then that the Aboriginals will start to progress.
I'm sorry!
I'm sorry, but an apology without compensation, is in my opinion a hollow apology. (And as far as I am aware the Rudd Government isn't planning on any compensation)
Yes, we'll all get a nice warm fuzzy feeling, us white fellas. But all will be forgotten in a few weeks.
Talk is cheap. Our indigenous people deserve much more.It's a bit like saying that you are really sorry for smashing up your friends car, then leaving him to foot the bill!
Read the erudite Noel Pearson's piece in today's Australian.
Full Text
The SMH has the full text here.
Fiona: Thanks Craig - I was amending the piece as you were posting.