Sumane Liyanaarachchi - Asian Tribune
There were emotional tears, sadness and joys across Australia as thousands of people, including some of those forcibly taken from their families, watched the historic, formal apology delivered by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at the Australian National Parliament this morning.
In Canberra hundreds of people packed in the National Parliament, as Prime Minister Kevin Rudd formally apologised for the “ laws and policies of successive parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss” on the stolen generation.
Members of the Stolen Generations listen as Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologises in federal Parliament. (Wednesday February 13, 12:55 PM)Members of the Stolen Generations listen as Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologises in federal Parliament. (Wednesday February 13, 12:55 PM)
Many people across Australia wept as Rudd deliver his formal apology speech which was supported by the Australian Federal Opposition. People cheered, applauded, hugged and cried.
There were emotional tears, sadness and joys across Australia as thousands of people, including some of those forcibly taken from their families, watched the historic, formal apology delivered by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at the Australian National Parliament this morning.
In Canberra hundreds of people packed in the National Parliament, as Prime Minister Kevin Rudd formally apologised for the “ laws and policies of successive parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss” on the stolen generation.
Members of the Stolen Generations listen as Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologises in federal Parliament. (Wednesday February 13, 12:55 PM)Members of the Stolen Generations listen as Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologises in federal Parliament. (Wednesday February 13, 12:55 PM)
Many people across Australia wept as Rudd deliver his formal apology speech which was supported by the Australian Federal Opposition. People cheered, applauded, hugged and cried.
Federal Parliament applauded the speech given by opposition Leader Dr Brendan Nelson but the hundreds of people who were gathered in the Great Hall and thousands outside of the Parliament House gave him a hostile reception.
Many in the Great Hall began by booing and jeering, and then turned their backs on the big screens carrying Dr Nelson’s speech. Some walked out in protest during the speech of the Opposition Leader.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd today promised to halve Aboriginal infant mortality rate by 2018 as part of a new reconciliation plan. As part of this plan, it is expected to close the 17-year life expectancy gap between Aboriginals and other Australians within a generation. He also promised to halve the gap in Aboriginal literacy, mathematic skills and employment opportunities within a decade.
Kevin Rudd announced expanded services to help stolen generation to find their families and a plan to provide housing to remote communities within five years.
“Most old approaches are not working, we need a new beginning.” Prime Minister further added in his speech.
Most of former Prime Ministers, all territory leaders and Aboriginal Leaders participated at this emotional but historic event in the Australian National Parliament.***
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