Labor To Move To Reaffirm Sorry Statement - Howard Government's Insensitivity Appalling

Wayne Berry - Member for Ginninderra

Media Statement - 4 April 2000

At the next sitting of the ACT Legislative Assembly, the Labor Party will move to reaffirm the Assembly's apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT for the hurt and distress inflicted upon people as a result of the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from their families, Labor MLA Wayne Berry said today.

Mr Berry made the announcement as he received a letter from senior ACT Aboriginal resident Bob Huddleston. Mr Huddleston presented the letter to Mr Berry requesting that the ACT Assembly distance itself from Federal Government statements debasing the Stolen Generations.

In June 1997 the ACT Legislative Assembly passed, unanimously, a resolution apologising to the Ngun(n)awal and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Assembly also affirmed its commitment to a just and proper outcome for the grievances of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by policies of separation from their families as well its commitment to the recommendations of the Bringing them home Report.

The resolution was seen as an important step in the healing process.

"With the distress and anger caused by the Federal Government's latest statements it is appropriate for the Assembly to reaffirm its sentiments supported unanimously in 1997. This will distance us from the Federal Government and reassure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in the ACT," Mr Berry said.

"The ACT Legislative Assembly has a good record on this issue and Labor will work with all Assembly members to bring on the most appropriate response to the appalling insensitivity of the Howard Government," Mr Berry concluded.