Australian federal parliament's "sorry" resolution: the real agenda

After their forebears had been shot, poisoned, or deliberately infected with diseases such as smallpox, tens of thousands of indigenous children—mainly those of mixed Aboriginal and European descent—were taken from their parents as part of an official program that sought to “breed out the colour.” Its aim was nothing less than the elimination of the Aboriginal race.

Between one in three and one in ten of all Aboriginal children were forcibly removed from their families between 1910 and 1970. Children were cut off from their culture and language, and often subjected to horrific physical and sexual abuse in institutions and foster homes. Survivors and their families continue to live with the daily effects of the trauma they suffered.

The newly-elected Rudd Labor government is touting its apology as a sincere gesture aimed at resolving past injustices and paving the way for Aborigines to “move forward”. Every section of the media is endorsing and promoting it as a major national event. The ABC will broadcast proceedings live on television, and large video screens are to be erected on the lawns in front of Parliament House, where hundreds of people are expected to gather. Screens are also being installed in Sydney and Melbourne, and the broadcast will be followed by music concerts featuring indigenous artists. Rudd has stressed the bipartisan character of the apology and opposition leader Brendan Nelson has fallen into line. Former Liberal Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser will attend, as will former Labor prime ministers Gough Whitlam and Paul Keating.

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