‘ This morning this Parliament shone a light on a dark chapter in our history, until now unacknowledged and very much forgotten. For the half a million children who were placed in institutions in the 20th century, the memory of their childhood has cast long shadows..An apology can't undo the suffering. Nothing we say can undo the damage. For some today will be like ripping off a scab, reviving  hurtful memories they have spent a lifetime trying to forget . But for so many others it will help these scars to heal  and start to set things right .'

Jason Clare, Member for Blaxland
16 November, 2009