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Sorry business more than a word

30 November 2007 - media release - Indigenous Co-Chair of the National Sorry Day Committee (NSDC) and Stolen Generations Survivor Helen Moran today said: “The apology to Indigenous Australians needs to be powerful and retain the original intent of Recommendation 5a of the Bringing Them Home Report which calls for Consultation, Acknowledgement and Responsibility.”

Helen Moran 'walking the talk' Sydney 2007

The NSDC commends Prime Minister Rudd for his cautious and respectful approach towards his proposed formal Apology to the Stolen Generation and Australia’s First Peoples.

In doing so the NSDC recommends that the Apology be presented from the Nation on the 10th Anniversary of National Sorry Day, 26th May, 2008. This is symbolic of the Sorry Business for Indigenous Australia as a result of the removal policies.

“Whether or not the word ‘Sorry’ is used by Prime Minister Rudd, an apology will be empty and meaningless if the Bringing Them Home Report recommendations are not upheld,” Ms Moran said.

“The Prime Minister Elect's commitment to implementing extensive consultation with Aboriginal people in a bid to assure that its content is real and meaningful, demonstrates the degree of care and respect he is showing towards the Stolen Generations and Aboriginal Australia”.

“For as long as Indigenous spokespeople go on mixing it with others in playing the "apology" game in partnership with the Australian media, life will continue to be given to the political football Howard created in his refusal to say the word ‘SORRY, and the less likely we are to achieve the actual purpose of the apology in the first place,” Ms Moran said.

On Behalf of the NSDC Executive and membership
NSDC Indigenous Co-Chair Helen Moran

Media Contact: Helen Moran 0413246470
Email: helen@nsdc.org.au

Source: NATIONAL SORRY DAY COMMITTEE

Further information: stolen generations issues page - includes news index and external links