For me the Australian Government’s apology to the child migrants is both welcome and significant.

I have met many people who are now in their fifties, sixties, and seventies who suferred abuse as children. They have lived with the memories and consequences all of their lives, and often in silence.

A very wise judge once said that one of the pernicious fruits of child abuse is silence. How true.

It is striking that the recent media coverage has highlighted that very human need on the part of victims to be heard and recognised. Many tell me that they felt at the time that were forgotten and treated as second class victims. Maybe the perpetrators of the abuse in their cruel and warped way thought they could justify thier actions because they saw the children as somehow inferior?

Many victims as I said tell me that they need recognition, and  someone in authority to say “sorry”. Kevin Rudd’s apology on behalf of Australia is therefore surely welcome. It should also be seen as example for other governments to follow.
For more on the Australian government’s apology I suggest you go to: http.//news.bbc.co.uk
or
www.theaustralian.com

Alan Collins
023 92 492472