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NIDAC welcomes the apology to Indigenous Australians for the Stolen GenerationThe National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee (NIDAC) applauds the new Australian Government for their step today in acknowledging the harm caused by the policies of the past that created the Stolen Generation. The long awaited formal apology from the Australian Government today in Parliament is a crucial step that paves the way for Indigenous people who were taken from their families. This will enable Indigenous Australian to regain their dignity and to walk alongside other Australians in creating a better future for all of our children. Associate Professor Ted Wilkes Chair of NIDAC says “It has been over 10 years since the report Bringing Them Home revealed the extent of forced removal, which lasted into the early 1970s; its consequences and impact on families were devastating for those who lost not only their children, but had their physical and mental health, their connection to land, their culture and language destroyed, causing enormous distress to many victims today. It is a day where all Australians can share their sorrow. In doing so, it provides hope to unite efforts in helping Indigenous Australians achieve their goals and aspirations. This apology and yesterday’s first welcome to country by the Australian Parliament demonstrates the Australian Government and the Parliament as a whole understands the need for a commitment to Indigenous Australians to provide a safe, meaningful and promising future for all Australian children. It is a step we must all take as parents and as a community.” NIDAC, as the leading voice in Indigenous drug and alcohol policy remains committed to working with the Australian Government to continue this journey by addressing the drug and alcohol problems that seriously impact on Indigenous families today. For further information contact Associate Professor Ted Wilkes (Chair NIDAC) Ms Sue Morley (Executive Officer NIDAC) Mr Gino Vumbaca (Executive Officer ANCD) Information on NIDAC can be found on www.ancd.org.au/nidac The National Indigenous Alcohol and Drug Committee (NIDAC) provides advice to government on a range of issues that impact on Indigenous communities and ways of addressing the serious drug and alcohol issues that exist for Indigenous Australians, whilst ensuring that Indigenous drug and alcohol issues remain a priority to government. An important component of the NIDAC’s work is to contribute to the development of policy relevant to Indigenous drug and alcohol misuse and ensure that policies, strategies and directions in the drug and alcohol field are consistent with the National Drug Strategy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s Complementary Action Plan 2003–2009.
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