Good points that you raise, however I disagree with this statement
"The issue of compensation is at the forefront of the debate because a good few of the stolen generation have seized the moment...."
It's just common sense. If you feel the need to apologise then pay up. As Pearson implies, Howard has the high moral ground here - no apology and no compensation. That's morally superior to an apology but no compensation.
It really amuses me to see the proponents of the apology insist that it won't mean compensation.
