My family’s cruel history | Four Corners

Key Concepts:

• Aborigines Protection Act 1886 (Half-caste Act): Victorian legislation allowing for the removal of Indigenous people of mixed descent from their families.
• Assimilation: The process of forcibly integrating Indigenous people into white colonial society.
• Truthtelling Commission: An Australian commission aiming to address the country's true history regarding Indigenous people.
• Intergenerational Trauma: The ongoing impact of historical injustices on Indigenous families and communities.

Alfred Deakin's Role and the Aborigines Protection Act 1886

Peter Sharp discovered that his great-grandfather, former Australian Prime Minister Alfred Deakin, was responsible for the Aborigines Protection Act 1886, also known as the "Half-caste Act." This legislation, enacted when Deakin was Chief Secretary of Victoria, authorized the forced removal of Indigenous people of mixed descent from their families. The goal was assimilation into the white colonial world. Deakin's vision was that the continent should be reserved for Anglo-Saxons only.

Impact of the Act: Family Separations and Assimilation

The Aborigines Protection Act led to devastating family separations, as Indigenous children were forcibly taken from their parents and communities. This policy aimed to erase Indigenous identity and culture by integrating individuals into white society.

Peter Sharp's Public Apology and Motivation

Peter Sharp felt compelled to publicly share his family history and issue an apology to Victoria's Truthtelling Commission. He stated, "I would have felt ashamed of myself if I didn't because it's a story that needs to be told it's the truth." His motivation stemmed from a sense of responsibility to acknowledge and address the historical injustices perpetrated by his ancestor.

The Truthtelling Commission and its Purpose

The Truthtelling Commission serves as a platform for Australians to share their stories and confront the country's true history, particularly concerning Indigenous experiences. Peter Sharp is one of hundreds of Australians who have contributed to the commission.

Peter Sharp's Profound Apology

Peter Sharp offers a profound personal apology to those who have been impacted by the laws and policies in which his family member played a significant role.