Complaints

Stories from the report

Stories from the report

The Inquiry took
evidence orally or in writing from 535 Indigenous people throughout Australia
concerning their experiences of the removal policies.

Their removal as
children and the abuse they experienced at the hands of the authorities
or their delegates have permanently scarred their lives. The harm continues
in later generations, affecting their children and grandchildren.

The past is very
much with us today, in the continuing devastation of the lives of Indigenous
Australians. That devastation cannot be addressed unless the whole community
listens with an open heart and mind to the stories of what has happened
in the past and, having listened and understood, commits itself to reconciliation.

Last updated 2 December 2001.