15 February 2013
Five years after Apology it is time to Recognise
Australia’s First Peoples
As hundreds gathered in Federation Square this week to pause and reflect on the fifth
anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, the passage of the Act of
Recognition in Canberra marked another important step on the road to reconciliation.
‘Five years ago Kevin Rudd, on behalf of the nation, apologised to Indigenous communities and
reaffirmed the importance of recognising Indigenous Australians as Australia's First Peoples,’
said Reconciliation Victoria Co-Chair Vicki Clark.
‘Recognising Australia’s First Peoples is an important step in healing our nation and ensuring
Australia has a Constitution that reflects our community today,’ said Carolyn Atkins, Acting CEO
of the Victorian Council of Social Service.
‘This Act is one of many steps, including the 1967 referendum, the Mabo judgment, and the
National Apology to the Stolen Generations, that demonstrates Australia is making process, but
there are many more steps to take to address the wrongs of the past and their continuing
impact,’ says ANTaR Victoria Chairperson, David Collis.
‘Constitutional recognition and the removal of harmful and prejudicial language in our nation’s
founding document is something that has broad support in the community which is reflected in
bipartisan support for the Act of Recognition passed in the Australian Parliament,’ said Ms
Atkins.
‘Our political and community leaders will need to maintain that high-level support to ensure that
the referendum to change the Constitution succeeds. Priority must be made on agreeing on a
model of reform with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders over the coming months,’ said
Ms Atkins.
‘VCOSS supports the calls of ANTaR and others to ensure that the model of reform addresses
the omissions and prejudices in our Constitution and is informed by the Expert Panel’s
recommendations.’
‘Five years ago Australians came together to hear the Apology and to commit to a better future
for this country’s First Peoples,’ said Mr Collis.
VCOSS
Level 8, 128 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
T: 03 325 1000
F: 03 9654 5749
W: vcoss@vcoss.org.au
E: vcoss@vcoss.org.au
‘In 1967 over 90% of Australians voted YES to count Aboriginal people in the Census. Now
Australia has the opportunity to take the next step and shape an Australian identity that we can
all feel part of and proud of, and to ensure that Australia’s Constitution reflects who we are as
Australians,’ said Keith Gove, Reconciliation Victoria Co-Chair.
For more information or to arrange an interview with Carolyn Atkins,
Vicki Clark or David Collis, contact John Kelly – M: 0418 127 153
VCOSS
Level 8, 128 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
T: 03 325 1000
F: 03 9654 5749
W: vcoss@vcoss.org.au
E: vcoss@vcoss.org.au