It's such shame Kevin Rudd and Paul Keating's hard work toward a reconciled Australia has been undone by proceeding governments. These men were the real heroes, they confronted the issues that no one had the balls to do.

@28:54, Tony Abbott: The only person in the room who refused clap.

Thank you for this speech Mr. Rudd. This apology should become earlier already, but better would be that Stolen Generations shouldn't never happen

Sorry is a powerful word. The person who has been hurt is getting recognition for thier pain. "sorry" will never make it all better, nothing will erase history, it's about healing now. The Stolen Generation needs to be talked about more, more recognition more healing.

this speech is amazing but seriously Julia Gillards hair cut is hilarious ahah

As a son and a parent I can't imagine the mental anguish and deep hurt caused by this Australian Government policy. Well done to Kevin Rudd for this historical apology to the Stolen Generation, sincerely delivered. May this mistake never be repeated in Australia or anywhere else in the world.

One of the best prime ministers’ Australia has ever produced, very gutsy and humble enough to apologize to the indigenous people of Australia, bula and loloma’s from Fiji Mr. Rudd.

I was watching this live that morning. It was moving. Such a pity that the opposition chose to make excuses instead of accepting the blame.

This speech is significant as it represents an integral event of Australian history - a bitter-sweet moment. Bitter in the sense that the Australian government has acknowledged its dark history of the Stolen Generation: a cultural genocide that has inflicted the pain of the Indigenous people by a discriminatory system, but sweet in the sense that Rudd has allowed a metamorphosis to endure, enabling his acknowledgement of the dark past to glimmer into a candle of hope for the future, as this event transforms into an epitome of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Rudd’s national apology was sincere, as he humbly acknowledged, without a ray of denial, the wrong-doings of the Australian Government, which ultimately deprived the Indigenous people of their human rights: “We apologise for the laws and policies of successive Parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians.” Rudd efficiently incorporates the literary technique of reiteration to highlight the purpose of this speech, as he reiterates “we say sorry” - It is a powerful technique that reminds the audience of the purpose of this speech, which isn’t to defend the government’s dark past, but rather to apologise to the Indigenous people who suffered through this unjust system. Furthermore, Rudd’s apology incorporated statistics for the injustice that occurred to the Indigenous people, depicting the sincerity of the Australian Government of acknowledging their faults as well as the consequences of their faults, whilst also educating Australians (especially new immigrants, as we are an emerging multicultural nation) about Australia’s past: e.g. “Between 1910 and 1970, between 10 and 30 per cent of Indigenous children were forcibly taken from their mothers and fathers.” An integral part of this speech was his acknowledgement of the gap that existed between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, as well as his efforts to close this gap. Rudd’s proposal of ‘a joint policy commission’ near the conclusion of the speech revealed the sincerity of his speech: authentic as Rudd has the intention of pursuing a hopeful future in connection with the Indigenous people, as we move together, reconciling from the past; as he mentioned earlier, “The time has now come for the nation to turn a new page in Australia’s history by righting the wrongs of the past and so moving forward with confidence to the future.”, and authentically affirmed it later through his speech. Rudd’s incorporation of Nanna Nungala Fejo’s raw story was heart wrenching and moved me to tears, not only because of the sheer pain that she endured because of her family being broken up, but also as I imagined myself living through Rudd’s word with Nanna Nungaelo Fejo, from her beautiful and bright childhood to the abrupt darkness of a broken family and the tragic death of her mother, who yearned to see her children again. The conclusion of the speech by the clapping of the audience was an enchanting epitome of felicity. The clapping pursued for a long period as the beats of the claps from both the Indigenous and non-Indigenous people entwined as one, as members of the parliament and Indigenous members made eye contact with each other symbolising a bright future after a dark past - through the reconciliation, symbolised by their entwined claps. Rating: 5/5

My english teacher in year 10 had us study this speech. I can't believe how long ago that was, my beautiful country has fallen so far from the heights it dared to reach.

Kevin Rudd’s National Apology to the Stolen Generations is a sincerely delivered apology for the atrocities of the Stolen Generations. This speech was delivered for no other reason than to make a start at “[righting] an historical wrong” and for this Rudd deserves to be commended. Rudd’s direct eye contact and body language are integral in constructing his sincere demeanour. The speech was particularly compelling as he targeted the emotions of his listeners through his second-hand description of an Aboriginal Woman’s stolen generation nightmare. Rudd speaks of how the woman had “literally been ripped away from her [family]”. This high modality language engages his audience in the emotive subject matter of his speech, forcing audience members to simultaneously process his words and the emotion they convey on a deeper level of cognition. The cinematographic juxtaposition between Rudd and the Indigenous people in the crowd is a powerful technique that serves as a sombre reminder of the reality behind his words. Despite Rudd’s best intentions, the word “blemish” likens the Stolen Generation to a small aesthetic flaw, when it is a deeply ingrained social atrocity. He also proposes to have all young Indigenous children attending Education centres within the next 5 years, but this act only furthers the ongoing effects of colonisation, assimilating Indigenous people into Western culture and ignoring Indigenous ways of learning. In these two points, Rudd’s speech merely echoes the intergenerational colonial viewpoint: Aboriginal people need to change in order to fit into Modern Australian Society. These points, although contradictory, are seemingly delivered unknowingly by Rudd, and thus do not detract from the sincerity of his apology. In closing, Rudd recognises that this alleviates none of “the pain [Indigenous people] have suffered personally”, as “words alone are not that powerful”. Rudd’s National Apology to the Stolen Generations was a powerful acknowledgement of past wrongs and a step towards a better future.

Thank you Kevin. Thank you for standing on the righr side of history. Thank you for trying to righting the wrong. Thank you for saying sorry.

How sad and ironic that the two people who ended up knifing each other, ended up delivering the two most important and memorable speeches in Parliamentary history. Thank you both for those moments Kev and Julia.

Learning about indigenous history and culture this is absolutely heartbreaking. Trying to hold back the tears. I am one person, but to all the aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders. I am so sorry.

I would like to add my voice to this. I am so sorry that the awful events happened for a australias first people

Well Done Mr Rudd

Historic moment. Such a great speech.

the way that the opposition didn’t even bother to clap until there was a standing ovation. just atrocious

So sad that on the other side of the room this fell on Deaf ears

Bishop & Abbott @ 28:54

It’s incredible to think it’s been 14 years since this incredible speech. I still remember sitting on the lounge watching this with Mum, one of my earlier memories. So sad to see the work that the Rudd gov did has been undone by successive Liberal governments.

One of the most necessary speeches ever made, regardless of which party or prime minister said it, this speech was a huge turning point of acknowledgement of the wrongs that our indigenous population suffrered through, to rip a child from a mother's hands is unforgivable, for the government to say sorry, accept responsibility and reconciliation

Simply speechless. Acknowledgment of the past and apologizing for our mistakes is a human value.

I will love this moment forever. Recognition of the first Australians. What was done to them. It's progress. It's what the world needs to do. I still quote this moment to US citizens, UK citizens etc. etc..... because it proves Australia is trying to progress.

Bring back Kevin Rudd!!

I watched this live at work. So beautiful.

As a African Austrlian Kevin Rudd got the guts to say sorry

Kevin Rudd's warning (at 25:05) that a referendum on constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians would fail without bipartisan support has proven to be prescient.

This is an ideal National Apology for all nations. I am so proud of you.

Sometimes words are not enough to show your appreciation towards someone you Respect, So I will try this, Thank you, 🙏,

It takes a great politician to honor its campaign promises; it takes a great character to publicly apologize. This speech was great and welcome. The 'unfair story' Kevin Rudd speaks about reminded me of a great Australian movie - 'Rabbit-Proof Fence' (2002) directed by Phillip Noyce. It's the true story of three indigenous sisters taken away from their families. Great and sensitive movie!

This was why I live here.

handball champion and amazing prime minister kevin rudd

Yet still indigenous rights and expectations are not being lived up to.

I believe Kevin Rudd’s Apology to the Stolen Generation was a well shot, articulately spoken speech from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd back in 2008. Prime Minster Rudd was certain to maintain a sincere and thoughtful tone throughout the speech, and never failed to consistently make eye contact with the camera. I think these aspects contribute to the overall success of the speech, as it makes the viewer feel that Mr Rudd is genuine and sincere regarding this serious issue. Extra praise must be given to the cinematography of the speech, as the varying camera shots and angles used act to illicit further ideas. The front on camera shot that we see for the majority of the speech positions Rudd’s fellow politicians behind him, sitting down, whilst Rudd takes a powerful stance. This shot alludes to the politicians’ support of Rudd, suggesting that they backed Rudd’s resolve in giving the speech and share similar ideals. Occasionally, the shot changes to a view of the indigenous people present in the chamber, filming their reactions to the speech, which I believe was important in order to gauge the response from the people to which the speech is directed. The speech served a critical event in the reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, and the speech itself was thoughtfully written and wonderfully shot. I believe it is worthy of 4.5 stars out of 5.

I’m not an indigenous Australian but only a citizen but this speech was iconic. When he said, “we are sorry”, I felt like I failed our indigenous people.

good on him!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Still can't get over Julia Gillards haircut

Bless you, sir.

This is so moving

Kevo's a Sicko

A historic moment to all Australians,especially to the descents of indigenous people.

Only thing wrong with this...... They applauded each other over what a good job story they just told.... Wanted recognition from each other for a job well done.... Do the kiwis hi-five each other and carry on after a really spirited haka....let the silent energy Carry the moment deep inside you.

The history of indigenous Australian’s is so sad. I’ve lived in Australia my whole life and it’s never felt like home. My grandparents escaped Poland during the Second World War. I’d happily give my place in Australia back to the indigenous people if I had a home and family back in Poland.

Thank you Mr. Rudd for your work to our country. Please do all you can to write the wrong done to all coloured citizens.

Julia seating in the back sharpening her knife

There are 2 elements to an apology, saying "im sorry" and doing something about the wrong. Since as at 16 years later the government and Australian people have done nothing to right this wrong. These words, although heartfelt and sincere at the time, are meaningless and empty

Brave priminister with brave statement. 👍👍👍👍👍

A milestone in Australia’s history! Well done, Mr. Rudd 👍🏽

(22231342) Kevin Rudd’s national apology to the stolen generation on the 13th February 2008 was a formal apology to Australia’s Indigenous peoples, particularly the stolen generation, referring to the forced removal and assimilation of Aboriginal children. The purpose of the speech was to create some sort of reconciliation and “right past wrongs”. The speech offers an insightful look into the time of the stolen generation through the use of storytelling and quantitative analysis of the number of Aboriginals who were taken during this time. The use of storytelling creates a connection to the people to whom the apology is aimed, while the use of quantitative data creates an impactful understanding of the great extent to which children were forcefully removed from their families, culture and land, constructing a successful detachment from sentiment, to wholly emphasize the harrowing events that took place. The tone of the speech was somber and grave, indicating the sympathetic nature of the speech as a whole, and the Prime Minister’s condolences to the stolen generation. The speech also takes on a hopeful and optimistic tone towards the end as Rudd outlines new objectives to continue reconciliation of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. This successfully creates a tone that indicates the sympathetic nature of the apology when dealing with the events of the past whilst also recognizing the ongoing damage and looking to future resolutions. 3/5

Good work by Kev

Plenty plenty!!

Whatever else you might think of his premiership, this was a poignant and moving part of Australian history.

There is a leader!

Wow, great specch

And don't forget Julia Gillard's hair!! It was front and centre and definitely stole the whole show!!!

I really like it. BTW, the voice gets cut out around 1:20.

He makes it sound like it was only Aboriginals that where removed from their families.

When Kevin Rudd apologised to the Stolen Generation he did what John Howard didn't have the stones to do.

Who is the red headed bloke sitting behind him.

Why dose the noise blank out at 1:20?? For only a minute but I want to hear what’s said

its gonna take more then that to earn their trust and respect

Kevin Rudd has a KZfaq channel?

What is taking the U.S .of America so long to admit for the wrong done to the Moors.

Check out Julia! Mushroom head lol

I do, not nor will I ever believe in the efficacy of removing children from their family, based on race! Only to make them more 'civilised' in the eyes of the 'civiliser' themselves,( after all in this age of global warming I personally know who I would rather be with i.e. 40K+ years experience in finding water and food). However as an adopted person myself, I do still see the merit in the need to separate children from their parents permanently, only when the parent is grossly negligent in the care of the child. After meeting my manipulative lush of a birth mother, and after having children of my own, I can really understand now that my rights to thrive as a child were paramount to the state, and that for me adoption was the best move.

Indonesia should be say sorry to west papua and lived together

2014 Tony Abbott PM

I love how u can see Julia Gillard in the background

Well done Kevin!

YOU CAN SAY SORRY, BUT, YOU CANNOT RUN AWAY FROM THE MOST HIGH'S JUDGEMENT.

Hallo Herr Droste :D und natürlich hey an unsere Klasse :D

I hope Tim didn't do Julia's hair that day...

whos that with the knife behind you in the thumbnail?

The National Apology to the Stolen Generations speech given by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, uses clear language which can be understood all diverse audience members. The pitch of the speaker remains quite monotone throughout the speech and hardly displays variations of emotion. The speaker uses empowering words such as partnership and unite, provides an opportunity to believe in hope for the future of Australia and its people. Eye level camera shots focusing on the faces and emotions being expressed show how many individuals are still experiencing the pain and trauma of our colonial history. Such focused shots persuade the audience to take on a sympathetic viewpoint. Individual audience members in the background of the camera shots display levels of disinterested in the spoken topic through their body language and lack of focus and gaze towards the speaker. Star rating : 3.5/5

Everly time i get to 1:18 it goes zero volume

Through the use of many techniques, the apology was able to create a sense of sincerity and Rudd was able to keep his tone articulate and clear whilst remaining sincere in his delivery. However, his initial use of the word “blemish”, diminishes the effect this act had on the lives of thousands of people. The camera’s continuous focus upon Rudd standing with other politicians behind him allowed for him to appear supported by those politicians as well as stronger in his convictions. The focus upon Rudd’s face emphasises the sincerity of his words through his solemn expressions and sincere tone of voice. The panning of the camera to the aboriginal people in the audience gave the viewer a sense of the human impact these actions had and the emotional impact of his speech. Throughout the speech Rudd uses repetition in order to emphasise certain ideas and to create a greater impact, this was done through his repetition of the word “sorry” which only further emphasised the purpose of this speech which is to apologise. This is also done with his repetition of “all” in “all Australians” and “all mothers”, which creates a feeling of empathy and connectivity with the issue within the audience. The use of a story-within-a-story-framework was done masterfully and allows for the audience to connect with the emotions of those for which this happened to, from the warmth evoked at the family scene at the start to the fear and sadness with the separations. 4 out of 5 stars

2020

Thanks Mr Rudd

What about the 13,000 children bought over on the convict ships against their will. They were stolen also and brought here only to have their decedents made feel guilty for something they had no control over. Disgusting.

a simple sorry is not enough. words have to be followed by actions.

No Kevin Rudd apology unaccepted

It muted at 1:18, why? That was not apporopiate, you shouldn't have done that.

Anyone else here for year 12 ESL test based on his speech ?

Hay cosas que no se arreglan con un "lo lamento". Considero algo descarado que solo pidan perdón. Ni con todo el dinero del mundo podrían reparar el daño que hicieron. Así que ¿Qué están haciendo al respecto? ¿Como planean reparar el daño? ¿Solo van a "pedirt perdón" y ya? Qué sinvergüenzas

I just can see this over and over.

I saw a bald patch Julia Gillards head ----> 4:13

Can anyone please tell me of any lasting positive outcomes from this speech, because I can't see anything concrete?

Julia Gillard looks like a redheaded version of little Robert Irwin

0:01

Kev27?

Lol yeah

1:00

5:50

Oh, he's sorry! He's sorry, he's sorry, he's sorry, he's sorry, he's sorry! Sorry, my ass! - Nancy Downs, The Craft

2:3000

2:30

sorry doesn't work. give them rights. let them be in the Parliament.

6:10

0:23 What in the hell Gillard. What is up with your hair.