25 January 2008

NOTICE - Sorry FAQ from Reconciliation Australia

Dear all,

I am writing to help generate understanding and support for the importance of the apology that will soon be issued by the new Prime Minister to generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families under the policies of successive Australian governments. Leaders in all sectors are broadly supportive of the apology as a means of moving the nation forward and creating more respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians that are necessary for us to achieve better outcomes and to close the 17 year gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children.

To maximize this vital, new opportunity it’s important that we all understand the background to the apology and why it’s a good thing for all Australians.

THIS SORRY FAQ, prepared by Reconciliation Australia, may help answer questions you have. It’s the start of an important conversation for all of us.

Please take a few minutes to read some of the attached material so that you can understand its significance and share pride in this historic moment. PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THIS WIDELY SO THAT MAXIMUM COVERAGE IS ACHIEVED.

If you have any questions, you can contact Reconciliation Australia directly on 02 6273 9200.

Lynette Russell
Director, Centre for Aboriginal and Islander Studies
Monash University, Vic