Certainly, what has been done cannot be undone. But what can now be done to remedy the deeds of yesterday must not be put off until tomorrow. The reserves still exist today, and require a just and proper settlement that still lies unachieved. The urban problems resulting from the transportation and separation of people still have to be addressed, so that these people may make a new start in life with each other once again. For every individual, there are things in the past which are better forgotten and which need to be forgiven.
Forgiveness comes only once the past is properly remembered and understood.
Owning one's past, the individual can take responsibility for the present situation and shape the future. So too for every nation. There are things we Australians will always want to remember and celebrate. There are other things we need to put behind us, admitting mistakes and ensuring a better future for all who live on this continent. In the past, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were wrongly deprived of land, liberty, culture and life itself.