2006 Winner

Janna Thompson: ARC Special Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics; Melbourne University

Are we responsible for the sins of our parents? Should we say "sorry" for past treatment of indigenous people? Janna Thompson's research provides an ethical basis to discuss these controversial issues.

Her book, Taking responsibility for the past, explains why members of society have a responsibility for the deeds of their predecessors, and provides policy guidelines to address historical injustices.

"Many people believe that the historical past of their family, community or nation is a source of moral obligation", says Janna.

"They lay claim to possessions or land on the basis of history, they demand recompense for historical injustices. They regard themselves as having an obligation to honour their dead, especially those who sacrificed themselves for their community or nation, to acknowledge the wrongs done by their group, and to remember those who have made a contribution," says Janna.

Do these obligations exist at all? In 1997 the Prime Minister questioned whether present day Australians should be held responsible for deeds they did not commit. Janna decided that his question needed to be answered.

In her book she argues that there are good moral reasons for members of a community to impose obligations on their successors. But she also reminds us that if we are to impose such obligations on our successors, then we must also acknowledge the commitments of our ancestors. And she extends this argument to the obligations of nations to respect treaties.

That raises many questions. How far back should we go? The British Prime Minister apologised for his nation's role during the Irish Potato Famine. But he did not apologise for the destruction wrought by Cromwell two hundred years earlier.

"Janna's book addresses important questions and offers a framework for practical decision making in the 21st Century," says Brian Sherman, President of the Australian Museum Trust.