The Daily Telegraph (15-11-1996) carried a report by Rachel Morris on the
apology by NSW Premier Bob Carr to First Peoples.
WE ARE GUILTY, CARR ADMITS
Premier Bob Carr yesterday formally apologised to
Aborigines, admitting the NSW Parliament played a key
role in the "systematic annihilation" of their
communities in this State.
...
In an historic debate on reconciliation, Mr Carr also
apologised for the policy of taking Aboriginal children
away from their families.
In a speech which drew applause from teh packed gallery
of the Parliament, the Premier said the policy -
legally sanctioned until as late as 1965 - was one of
the most "destructive actions inflicted on Aborigines
by the State's law makers."
He said it was important to recognise not only that the
dispossession of Aboriginal people began in 1788, but
that the NSW Parliament itself enacted laws which
inflicted grief and suffering on Aboriginal communities
and families.
"That is why I reaffirm in this place, formally and
solemnly as Premier, on behalf of the Government and
people of NSW, our apology to Aboriginal people," Mr
Carr said.
"And in doing so, acknowledge with deep regret
Parliament's own role in endorsing policies and actions
of successive governments which devastated Aboriginal
communities."
...
Mr Carr's comments came in response to a call by
Governor-General Sir William Deane for all parliaments
to affirm their support for reconciliation.
(extract ends)