A week ago today, my country grew up a bit.
The Prime Minister said “sorry” to the indigenous children who were forcibly removed from their parents over a period of about 80 years. He said “sorry” to the indigenous people who have been affected by decisions made by governments and enforced by people since white settlement.
It was absolutely fabulous. And it was about bloody time.
I found it really moving and genuine, and have a whole new respect for Kevin Rudd, who has shown himself to be an articulate, intelligent and compassionate man. It was wonderful that four of the five surviving ex Prime Ministers were there (and to see Gough Whitlam supporting Malcom Fraser was astonishing in itself); and the one who was absent only served to underline what a complete prat that he was.
And I’m sorry too. Sorry that it had to take so long for someone to say a simple word. More than 10 years since the “Bringing them Home” Senate enquiry was tabled in Parliament, more than enough for someone to have the balls and the conviction to do the right thing. The apology was not about money, and shouldn’t be about money – how much money would it take to replace the love of a child and a mother? More than anyone could imagine.
As Nana Fejo said “Families – keeping them together is very important. It’s a good thing that you are surrounded by love and that love is passed down the generations. That’s what gives you happiness.”
And she’s right, too.
