The apology from the Northern Territory Police Commissioner is a step towards realising the recommendations set out in the Bringing Them Home report but action must follow, The Healing Foundation said today.
The speech given by the Commissioner of Police Michael Murphy at this year’s Garma Festival in Arnhem Land acknowledged police involvement in past harms inflicted on Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory. This included the devastating impacts of the Stolen Generations.
“This is not about blame, it’s about acknowledging the truth of our history and the enormous ramifications of past policies and actions, which continue to affect our people. Acknowledgement is central to healing,” CEO of The Healing Foundation, Ms Shannan Dodson said.
“It’s promising that this apology follows just months after the Victoria Police apology. We hope this momentum can be continued across the country,” Professor Steve Larkin, The Healing Foundation Board Chair said.
The Bringing Them Home report recommended that State and Territory police forces acknowledge their prominent role in the implementation of forcible removal laws and policies, formally apologise for these actions, and participate in commemorations.
“Importantly though, apologies need to be accompanied by wider changes that make a difference to people’s everyday lives, in this case police interactions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern Territory,” Professor Larkin said.
“Over the coming months, The Healing Foundation will be reviewing where Australia stands on all 54 comprehensive recommendations put forward in the Bringing Them Home report. This review will inform recommendations for institutions, governments, churches and other organisations to progress urgent matters that continue to affect Stolen Generations survivors 27 years on.
“As we head towards the 30th anniversary of the Bringing Them Home report in 2027, I remain hopeful that there is still time for Survivors to see this change.”
