Beyond Sorry — the first steps in laying claim to a future that embraces all Australians

Abstract

The Prime Minister has issued a formal, unqualified apology to Australia's Indigenous peoples for past mistreatment, particularly for the sufferings of those who were affected by the forced removal of children from their families. The Apology needs to be seen as the first step in a reparations process that adheres to human rights principles, involves Australians at all levels, is sustainable and upholds self-determination. The Apology is the first of five steps recommended in Bringing them home: the report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families. Further steps are: guarantees against repetition, measures of restitution, measures of rehabilitation, and monetary compensation, but the Prime Minister has steadfastly refused to discuss reparations or compensation. Monetary compensation has been recognised internationally as an essential component in the redress for similar experiences of the forced removal of children. As long as the final steps in reparation remain unresolved, they will obstruct our pathway to a future that embraces all Australians.