Reflection encouraged on National Sorry Day

26 May 2019

The people of NSW are being encouraged to reflect on past treatments of the Nation’s First Peoples on National Sorry Day.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Don Harwin said May 26 is an important date for our Nation’s First Peoples as it marks the first public recognition of the Stolen Generations.

“Today we acknowledge and recognise the hurt experienced by Aboriginal people as a result of past policies forcing the removal of children from their families, the effects of which are still felt today.”

Mr Harwin said Sorry Day presents the opportunity to have an honest conversation about our past.

“As Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, I am fully committed to addressing the wrongs and improving the lives of Aboriginal people in NSW.”

“Our truth telling brings a shared understanding and the opportunity to heal, so that we can move forward together creating stronger communities.”

The NSW Government has previously dedicated $73 million in response to the Parliamentary Inquiry Report into Stolen Generations Reparations - Unfinished Business. This included the establishment of a Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme, as well as funding to Stolen Generations survivor organisations to support their collective healing work with survivors and descendants.

This week is also National Reconciliation Week. Mr Harwin said this year’s theme –

Grounded in Truth, Walk Together with Courage – encourages us to reflect on how we can all contribute to achieving reconciliation.

“Positive change starts with conversations which lead to the open exchange of ideas and shared understandings,” Mr Harwin said.

All NSW Government buildings will fly the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags during National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week inclusive.

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