Ministerial statement: Sixteenth anniversary of the National Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples and Closing the Gap Annual Report and Implementation Plan
I recognise the Traditional Owners of the land – and their care and custodianship of Country and culture.
Sixteen years ago, one word changed our country forever:
Sorry.
It was not about guilt, or blame.
It was about facing up to the true history of this nation.
Above all it was about people.
People like the Stolen Generations survivors and their families who join us today.
As we reflect on one of the most tragic, brutal and damaging chapters of Australia's history.