A year ago today, the Australian Parliament formally apologised to members of the Stolen Generations for the policies of past governments.
The Apology was a starting point for reconciliation, and the beginning of building a bridge of respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
The hardest work is ahead of us.
Our challenge, as the Government outlined one year ago, is to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians - so that Indigenous Australians can share fully in the life of our nation.
This will not be easy, and it will require our entire nation to work together - Indigenous communities, Commonwealth and State governments, business, community organisations and people all across our nation.
But there has never been a more united sense of purpose across our community, to make a real difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
And there has never been such agreement as there now is between all levels of government to work together and make a difference.
Later this month, when Parliament next sits, I will deliver a report card on progress in the first 12 months since the apology.
This is the next step towards one of the greatest and most important challenges facing our nation.