27 August 1999
Statement of Reconciliation
The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) has welcomed the federal parliamentary acknowledgment of past injustices experienced by Australia's Indigenous people.
Bringing them home, the report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children From Their Families, released in May 1997 by HREOC, drew unprecedented attention to past polices, practices and treatment of Indigenous Australians that had been unrecognised for generations.
Speaking on behalf of all Commissioners, President Professor Alice Tay said, "while there is still clearly a long way to go in the adoption of the report's recommendations, yesterday's motion is an encouraging sign of increased understanding and recognition of the significant issues raised in the Bringing them home report."
"It also acknowledges the broader injustices resulting from past policies and practices and as such it is a gesture towards removing some of the obstacles to reconciliation."
HREOC also welcomes the commitment by government to addressing the profound economic and social disadvantage which continues to be experienced by many Indigenous Australians and calls on all governments to implement the recommendations of the Bringing them home report.
For further information please contact Erin Broderick on 0419 258 597; or Margie Cook on 0418 637 230.
Last updated 2 December 2001.
