Labor party gives formal apology to stolen generation

Sydney: Australia's newly elected Labor government said on Wednesday that it would give a formal apology to the so-called "stolen generation" of Aborigines, the first item on the agenda for the new ruling party.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin said Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is set to deliver the apology on the first day of business for the new parliament, which is on February 13.

Macklin stressed that the apology to those Aborigines who were forcibly removed from their families as children, and placed in foster care or institutions was paramount in uniting the nation adding that it is the "first, necessary step to move forward from the past"

"Once we establish this respect, the government can work with indigenous communities to improve services aimed at closing the 17-year life expectancy gap between indigenous and non-indigenous
Australians," Macklin said.

The previous conservative government strongly refused to offer the indigenous people a formal apology for past wrongs doings implying that saying "sorry" would make the public responsible for all wrong doing.

"The apology will be made on behalf of the Australian government and does not attribute guilt to the current generation of Australian people," Macklin said in a statement.

"This Welcome will carry national significance in symbolising a future of respect and partnership with indigenous people," she said.