The NSW Opposition called on all members of Parliament to use National Sorry Day as an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of the Stolen Generation.
May 26, 2015 marks 14 years since the Bringing Them Home report was tabled in the Federal Parliament. Amongst the report’s many recommendations was that a national day be established to commemorate the history of forcible removal and its effects.
“National Sorry Day is a reminder to pause take stock of our nation’s history and the experience of the first Australians,” said Luke Foley, NSW Opposition Leader.
“We must ensure the injustices of the Stolen Generation are never repeated and never forgotten.”
Deputy Opposition Leader and Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Linda Burney said, “The policies that led to the Stolen Generation are a national tragedy which the Aboriginal community is still coming to terms with.
“As a member of the Parliament and as an Aboriginal person, Sorry Day is an opportunity to reflect on the role we play in the Legislative Assembly. Collectively we need to commit to never repeating the mistakes of the past.
“Sorry Day is a day of great sadness but also an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made.
“Kevin Rudd’s apology to the Stolen Generation was a massive leap forward for reconciliation and I hope this momentum can continue through to recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in our Federal Constitution.”