Sorry


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Government apology 13 February
National Sorry Day - a history

Government apology delivered

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has tabled the apology to the members of the Stolen Generations and their families and descendants. Pictured left, Mr Rudd acknowledges members of the Stolen Generation in Parliaments visitor gallery after offering his apology.

At QUT, Professor Peter Coaldrake issued a statement encouraging staff to acknowledge this significant event.

See latest news and details of the apology at

ABC News Online

SBS News http://news.sbs.com.au/worldnewsaustralia/indigenous

Response from Tom Calma, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commissioner, HREOC

Sorry Day - a history

26 May

The first National Sorry Day was held in 1998 - one year after the tabling of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission's report Bringing them home. This report recommended that a National Sorry Day be held each year.

National Sorry Day or the Journey of Healing commemorates the Stolen Generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children forcibly removed from their families.

This day offers the Australian community the opportunity to acknowledge the impact of the policies of forcible removal on Australia's Indigenous peoples; to express their sorrow; and to celebrate the beginning of a new understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Australia.

QUT celebrates National Sorry Day each year during Reconciliation Week. Click here for a history of Sorry Day at QUT.

QUT has compiled Australian History resources to help non-Indigenous understand the historical context which has lead to the apology.

You can also find more information at the following sites: