Rudd Tables Apology

Prime Minister Rudd has tabled the long awaited apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, especially those taken from their families, communities.

"For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry," the text reads.

"To the mothers and fathers, the brothers and sisters, for the breaking up of families and communities, we say sorry.

"And for the indignity and degradation thus inflicted on a proud people and a proud culture, we say sorry."

He says it is a first step where the Parliament resolves the injustices of the past must never happen again.

"A future where we harness the determination of all Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to close the gap that lies between us in life expectancy, educational achievement and economic opportunity," the text reads.

"A future where we embrace the possibility of new solutions to enduring problems where old approaches have changed.

"A future based on mutual respect, mutual resolve and mutual responsibility.

"A future where all Australians, whatever their origins, are truly equal partners, with equal opportunities and with an equal stake in shaping the next chapter in the history of this great country."