National Apology Day

The History of National Apology Day

The Story of First Nation’s People’s is over 60,000 years old.

First Nation’s People’s knew who they were, and where they belonged. However, the culture was disrupted and harmed over many generations of trauma that still continues today.

This event marks the anniversary of the Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples.

The apology was made in the House of Representatives on 13 February 2008 by former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, apologising for past laws, policies and practices that have impacted on Australia’s First Nations Peoples, particularly members of the Stolen Generations.

The motion was supported by the Opposition and passed through both houses of Parliament; Brendan Nelson (former Leader of the Opposition) gave a formal response.

Many members of the Stolen Generations were present in the Chamber to hear the Apology and thousands more filled the Great Hall of Parliament House and flowed out onto the lawns to watch it on big screens.

The Apology was broadcast across Australia.

Apology Speech – Information Sheet

We have provided the full apology speech delivered on 13 February 2008 by former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd in English, and the six languages most spoken in the Moreton Bay and North Brisbane Region (Tagalog, Punjabi, Samoan, Hindi, Afrikaans, and Braille).  

To read the Braille please visit the Redcliffe Neighbourhood Centre (1 Lamington Drive, Redcliffe).