Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 8 Hansard (26 August) . . Page.. 2378 ..

MRS MILLS (continuing):

Aboriginal people have a unique history of being ordered, controlled and monitored by the state. For each individual there are files maintained by agents of the state; schools, community welfare, adoption, medical, police, prison probation and parole and, finally, coroners' files document each life to a degree that few non-Aboriginal people's lives would be recorded. Not infrequently the files contain false or misleading information; all too often the files disclose not merely the recorded life history of the Aboriginal person but also the prejudices, ignorance and paternalism of those making the records.

Of the estimated 33,000 indigenous children removed from their families, many have come forward and have given evidence to the national inquiry. The report Bringing them home contains many of those stories and similar experiences. The results are profoundly accurate. Mr Speaker, many did not survive removal, and I refer specifically to 43 of the 99 victims of death in custody. It was found by the royal commission of inquiry that these 43 victims experienced childhood separation from their natural families, through intervention by the state authorities, missions or other institutions.

Mr Speaker, I came here today to explain why it is not easy for us to forget and get on with our lives as if nothing happened. Although many years have passed, the trauma of separation, the grief and pain that followed and the vivid memories of how we were treated will remain with us for the rest of our lives.

In conclusion, I would like to say that many issues arise from one act, and that act is the separating of indigenous children from their families. The many issues for further consideration are the practices which were enforced under the Aborigines Act or the Child Welfare Act; the quality of "care" of those children who experienced physical and sexual abuse as wards of the state; the allegations made by persons acting on behalf of the state; and the burning issue of assimilation and genocide.

Mr Speaker, finally, J.H. Wootten, QC, a former royal commissioner of the national inquiry into Aboriginal deaths in custody, was quoted in the Aboriginal Law Bulletin, volume 2, December 1990, as saying:

In its crudest forms the policy of assimilation fell within this (a) modern definition of genocide, and in particular the attempt to "solve the Aboriginal problem" by the taking away of children and merging them into white society fell within that definition.

What remains to be said now must come from the people of Australia and their institutions, and it must be said soon. The recommendations contained in the report must be addressed so that all Australians can get on with our lives.

MR SPEAKER: I thank Mrs Mills for her remarks.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .