When the proceedings are of a participatory character and focused on healing the suffering resulting from gross violations of human rights, the grant of substantial compensation to individuals need not be a central consideration. Them Home demonstrates. It begins with a heartfelt apology, generated by an understanding of their contemporary pain coupled with a desire to share and alleviate that pain. In some cases, addressing the rehabilitation and healing of communities may be effective. Administration costs could be held to a minimum by appointing a small tribunal of, say, three eminent Australians under the leadership of Dr William Jonas, the Aboriginal Social Justice Commissioner and supported by Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue and the Australian of the Year and deputy chairman of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, Sir Gustav Nossal.
Useful precedents are available overseas.
The history leading to the formation of the foundation provides a close analogy to the Australian experience. The Waitangi Tribunal in New Zealand is another example of a tribunal working in a culturally appropriate manner to heal the racial divisions in that country. In conclusion, then, I submit that precedent, principle, morality and humanity combine to make out the very strongest of cases justifying the appointment of a reparations tribunal equipped to bring justice and healing to the victims of this part of our nation's history. Sir Ronald Wilson , a former High Court judge, was co-author of Bringing Them Home, the Commonwealth's report into the forced removal of Aboriginal children from their families.