AHC supports PM’s apology

Written by Cherelle Jackson
Wednesday, 13 February 2008
Matt Anderson - Australian High Commisioner in Samoa. The historical apology by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to the stolen generation of indigenous Australians has been referred to as a “fresh approach” by local Australian High Commissioner in Samoa Matt Anderson. “This is an historic day. For the first time since Australia's Federation in 1901, the Australian Parliament has apologised to Australia's first peoples for the acts and omissions of previous governments,” he told Newsline yesterday. The apology which took place in Canberra saw Rudd use the word “sorry” three times, in an official address marking the end to underlying denial of wrongdoing to Australian Aboriginals in the past. Rudd apologised for the laws and policies of previous Parliaments and governments that had inflicted "profound grief, suffering and loss" on indigenous Australians. "For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry," Rudd said. "To the mothers and the fathers, to the brothers and the 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." "To the mothers and the fathers, to the brothers and the 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." According to Anderson in Samoa the apology heralds the beginning of a new relationship. “It acts as a bridge to build respect and, it is hoped, will prove to be a powerful healing symbol,” Anderson told Newsline. Asked if the apology will have an impact on Australias role in the Pacific, Anderson said it brings a fresh approach to issues. “And not just on indigenous issues, which are, of course, of great relevance throughout the Pacific,” he said. According to Anderson, the Australian Government is equally committed to a fresh approach to the region. “The Government is seeking to strengthen Australia's engagement with the region and to develop constructive relations with our Pacific neighbours, based on mutual respect and trust,” he said. Anderson added that it was in that context of Australias fresh focus on the region that Samoa had just enjoyed a visit by two Parliamentary Secretaries: Bob McMullan, Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance; and Duncan Kerr, Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs. Radio Australia, In the Loop Co-Producer Clement Paligaru yesterday told Newsline that there was a general air of optimism and relief during Rudd speech. “You can see the excitement, it was well received, there were tears,” he told Newsline during a phone interview. “It was definitely a historical day,” he said. Comments (0) Subscribe to this comment's feed Write comment Name Email Title Comment

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