February 13, 2008

Sorry

Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, today apologised for the past mistreatment of Indigenous Australians. To hear his speech and look further into the issue see the Sydney Morning Herald’s feature. Rudd’s address was plain-spoken, stirring and morally courageous. The contrast with the fetid hubris of the past government couldn’t be greater. This is an important […]

Rudd’s address was plain-spoken, stirring and morally courageous. The contrast with the fetid hubris of the past government couldn’t be greater. This is an important moment in Australian history – one that should give us hope that the country can, again, advance.

[tags] Sorry, Australia, Racism [/tags]

Tagged Australia, Expatriate Life, John Howard, Kevin Rudd, Racism, Sorry, Theology

Paul 16 years ago

so do you think the govt should pay compensation?

Fernando Gros 16 years ago

To echo Rudd’s words from today, this issue was a stain on the soul of Australia. It’s an issue that is so much bigger than individual compensation claims.

Should the commonwealth pay? Yes! But, that payment should be in terms of health, education and social advancement for indigenous Australians. It should be towards the overall protection of Indigenous culture, towards a recognition of the role of the people in the land. Moreover, it should be paid in all Australians taking the time to understand the country’s first inhabitants and working together to build a better society.

Matt Stone 16 years ago

I agree, we should be thinking, not in terms of punitative justice, but in terms of restorative justice. And that starts with a serious commitment to closing the gap on health, education, and opportunity for the future.

JOHN FLYNNE 16 years ago

I think it is time to test whether anything will come of it.
I do not think Rudd had a good record on this front when he was Chief of Staff in the Qld Govt. So instead of praising we need to look at the outcomes and positive results not more pretty statements.

Sorry

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