Was Kevin Rudd right to say sorry the Stolen Generation in 2008?

Kevin Rudd's apology to the Stolen Generation in 2008 was a significant event in Australian history. The Stolen Generation refers to the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families and communities by the Australian government and church missions between the late 19th century and the 1970s. These children were often placed in institutions or fostered with white families, where they were subjected to physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and discrimination. Rudd's apology was seen as a step towards reconciliation and acknowledging the suffering of Indigenous Australians.

There are differing views on whether Kevin Rudd was right to say sorry to the Stolen Generation. Some believe that the apology was a necessary and important gesture, as it provided a public acknowledgment of the government's responsibility for the Stolen Generation and the harm caused to Indigenous communities. The apology was also seen as a way of symbolically healing the wounds of the past and opening a new chapter in relations between Indigenous Australians and the wider community.

Others argue that the apology was insufficient or symbolic, and that more concrete actions and resources should have been committed to addressing the ongoing effects of the Stolen Generation and improving the lives of Indigenous Australians. Critics point to the fact that many Indigenous communities continue to face significant social, economic, and health challenges, and that much more needs to be done to address these issues.

Overall, while Rudd's apology was seen as a positive step towards reconciliation, there is an ongoing need for further action and commitment from the Australian government to address the legacy of the Stolen Generation and support Indigenous communities.