Yesterday was a historic day in Australian history. The federal government, lead by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologised to the Aboriginal people who were taken away as children from their families and grew up on missions, farms and institutions. The Aboriginal people call this group of people the “stolen generation”.
This apology is considered a landmark in Australian history. Both Aboriginal and white Australians never thought this movement would happen. What the apology does is open a new chapter in the future of all Australians. Now the task for people – communities and government at levels is ensuring that the native people of this land have the same opportunities as all Australians. The education and health of Aboriginal people are far below that of other Australians. This needs to change, so the Aboriginal people can be on equal footing as other Australians. Instead of just being known for their artistic endeavours (paintings and music) for both Australians and tourists, they need to become part of society.
It is a long road ahead; there are many issues that need to be resolved. It will take hard work and determination by all. But all you need is a first step and the future can seem so much brighter. That step was taken by Kevin Rudd and the Labor governments’ apology. Now the rest is up to the Aboriginals and the rest of
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