STOLEN GENERATIONS

The Hon. L. STEVENS (Little Para) (15:28): I cannot let this first opportunity to speak in a grievance debate in 2008 go by without making some remarks about the events of yesterday embodied in the apology to the stolen generation. Together with hundreds of other people in Elder Park, I watched the speech delivered by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. His eloquent speech was inspirational and delivered with clarity, sincerity and humility. It reached into the hearts of people from all walks of life, as well as lifting the psyche of the whole nation, drawing past and present together and pointing the way forward.

The reactions of the Aboriginal people around me showed how important this moment was. These reactions were mirrored in the media footage of Aboriginal people all over the country. But it was also important for the rest of us. I found myself with tears in my eyes—a mixture of sadness, elation and relief that at last this simple act had taken place. But I also felt tremendous pride that a Labor Prime Minister had done this, and had done it at the beginning of a new era of our national government. Everyone I have spoken with since had these feelings to various degrees. Rudd had, in this moment of nation-building, drawn Australians (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) together spiritually and focused us all on going forward in a new partnership. He also outlined the long-standing issues that would be addressed in the near future: housing, health, education, especially early childhood education. I have no doubt that this is the best opportunity that we have ever had to make inroads into the massive discrepancy in life outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. But it will involve concerted effort from the states and the commonwealth to mobilise all efforts to focus on achieving these outcomes.

Finally, I turn to the issue of compensation. I believe this has to be addressed. Just like the churches in relation to child abuse, this will not go away. How it will be delivered needs to be addressed. Tasmania and Western Australia have begun the process, but surely it needs a national approach.

Yesterday's apology was more than a significant moment in Australia's history. It was also a necessary first step in a new determination to ensure that every Australian has every chance to reach their potential. This challenge is before us. It will require effort from all of us. I hope that we will all work to make it a reality.