Statement on the anniversary of the National Apology

Today marks the sixth anniversary of the National Apology to Australia’s Stolen Generations, which acknowledged the wrongs of the past to Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people.

The annual National Apology commemorations remind and raise awareness among politicians, policy makers and the Australian public about the significance of the forcible removal policies, their impact on the children that were taken, their families and communities.

Today acknowledges the wrongs of the past for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and pledges to journey toward a united future for all Australians.

In Queensland, a variety of commemorative activities are being held to raise awareness of the Stolen Generation, educate the community on Indigenous history and celebrate the Indigenous contribution to Australian life.

No one doubts the Apology was an historic and emotional event, but words can only have meaning if they have the substance of action.

I’m committed to improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders through education, employment, sustainable enterprise and land tenure reform to provide better options for home ownership.

The Newman Government’s Indigenous agenda is focussed on ensuring that State Government programs and funding are directed towards improving the stability and sustainability of Indigenous communities.

That agenda is encapsulated in our Indigenous Economic Participation Framework released at the end of last year.

We want to see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the same level of participation in the Queensland economy as non-Indigenous people – in workforce participation, employment, careers and business ownership.

We can do better with the support we provide to Indigenous Queenslanders, but doing better doesn’t mean putting more money into the same old programs, which the previous Government made the mistake of doing.

It means targeting funding to outcomes like jobs, home ownership and - ultimately - individual and community pride.

[ENDS] 13 February 2014

Media Contact: Peter McCarthy 0408 835 548