John Pat's brutal death - along with many others - became a "cause celebre" leading, in the end, to the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.
WA Deputy Opposition Leader, Ben Wyatt put forward a motion for an apology on Wednesday, which was unanimously supported by the house.
The next step is for the apology to be formalised and given, possibly opening a window for legal action by the victim's family.
Meanwhile, protests commemorating John Pat's death will be held around the country tomorrow - starting at midday in Sydney, Melbourne - even on Grand Final Day - Cairns and Adelaide.