On February 13, 2008 then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a national apology to the Stolen Generations of the First Nations. Revisit that moment in Australian history. What is the history of the Stolen Generations? What were the steps leading up the Prime Minister's apology? Consider the reactions at the time and since. This course also reflects on the power of apologies in the public consciousness.
- Starting with the Australian Human Rights Commission 1997 'Bringing them home' report we will understand the Commonwealth Government policies that separated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families.
- We will look at the key steps that led to a televised National Apology by then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and who attended the ceremony in Parliament House, Canberra.
- We will look at the psychology behind an apology. Why was this so powerful at the time? Does it continue to be?
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Explain the significance of the Australian Human Rights Commission 1997 'Bringing them home' report.
- Critique the Commonwealth Government policies that separated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families.
- Understand the key steps that led to a televised National Apology by then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
- Examine the psychology behind public apologies, especially those delivered by the leader of a Commonwealth government.
