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'Sorry' book launch: what they wrote

(clockwise from top left) John Pilger, Jonathan 'Jono' Coleman, Mark Little, Kathy Lette, Geoffrey Robertson QC, Peter Tatchell.

26 March 1998 - ENIAR media release - Outside the Australian High Commission, London.

"Forgive me for my ignorance. Now that I know the truth, I promise I will not cease from saying it"
Dr Germaine Greer.

"As a kid I never knew"
Rolf Harris.

"To the happiest race of people I know, I will always support your fight for equality. Sorry."
Mark Little.

"I'm saying sorry because the Australian Government lacks the imagination to say sorry for us. Australia reject racism."
Kathy Lette.

"Sorry. Here's to a much better future for all Australians."
Jonathan Coleman.

"I, too, wish to express my sorrow and apology – and my wish for justice for the Aboriginal people."
Peter Tatchell.

"The treatment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders by settlers, colonists and imperialists is one of the great disgraces of the world; their poverty, suffering and cultural needs must be met, and respect and reconciliation be all our watchwords."
Jeremy Corbyn MP.
Deputy Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Human Rights.

British MP's were invited to sign the "Sorry Book"

The event was jointly organised by Australians for Native Title (ANTaR) and Australians for Native Title UK (now ENIAR).

Text from the 'Sorry Book'

You can use the 'Sorry Book' to record your own apology or to sign the following one:

By signing my name in this book, I record my deep regret for the injustices suffered by Indigenous Australians as a result of European settlement and, in particular, I offer my personal apology for the hurt and harm caused by the forced removal of children from their families and for the effect of Government policy on the human dignity and spirit of Indigenous Australians.

I would also like to record my desire for Reconciliation and for a better future for all our peoples. I make a commitment to a united Australia which respects this land of ours, values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, and provides justice and equity for all.

related links:

• Gallery: Sorry Book opening, St. Mary Le Strand, The Strand, London, May 26, 1998
• 'Sorry' motion in House of Commons
• 'Sorry' book launch: what they said
• British MPs were invited to sign the 'Sorry Book'
• The Sydney Morning Herald:'A Black Day in London'

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

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