Wednesday 13 February - PM's Apology to Indigenous Australians
UNITY FOUNDATION MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday 13th February 2008
Unity Foundation's response to the Prime Minister's Apology to Indigenous Australians
The Prime Minister's apology to the Indigenous peoples of Australia is an important first step in acknowledging the past injustices inflicted upon Australia's first people.
On news of the Prime Minister's Apology, Unity Foundation's co-founder Allan Murray said, "The stolen generation and mistreatment of Aboriginal people cannot be resolved by saying sorry; however saying sorry publicly is a move towards healing the wounds of those who have suffered for being Aboriginal"
A public apology, while important and long overdue, does nothing to improve the lives of the Indigenous people of Australia. Indigenous health statistics are still at shameful levels for a developed country. Indigenous life expectancy remains 17 years lower than the rest of Australia's population. Infant mortality, which at the moment is three times the average rate and Indigenous incarceration rates, is 18 times higher compared to the whole population.
Addressing these serious issues must be at the forefront of government policy regarding Indigenous affairs.
Unity Co-Founder Xavier Clarke believes, "structured life skill programs and educational programs designed specifically for Indigenous youth, ensuring cultural sensitivities, is required to help bridge the health and educational barriers restricting the Indigenous population."
Mr. Clarke stated that, "Unity Foundation is committed to working with the Indigenous population to help bridge the health and educational barriers restricting the Indigenous population."
Unity Foundation has responded to Prime Minister Rudd's apology to members of the Stolen Generation with the above Press Release. Our office will be closed on Wednesday with Unity Foundation staff attending Federation Square and the Aborigines Advancement League with family and friends during the announcement.
For general press inquiries please contact Mark McGough (Tel: 03 9593 6269 or Email: markm@unityfoundation.org.au)
Federation Square, Melbourne
The national apology to members of the Stolen Generation was broadcast live on the big screen at Federation Square on Wednesday 13 February 2008.
Federation Square is a key Supporter of Unity Foundation and our programs. Xavier, Allan, Peter and the Unity team look forward to seeing family, friends and supporters at Federation Square from 8.55am on Wednesday 13 February! More info: http://www.federationsquare.com.au
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The national apology to members of the Stolen Generation was broadcast live on the big screen at .jpg)
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