Rudd said sorry when the states are the only legal avenue for compensation. So why did he apologise for something the states of the time were responsible for? Gough Whitlam was there at the sorry speech, but never got up and said a word or two. I believe he presided as leader over this country while the last of the atrocities were committed. Surely he could have spoken?
In the end for those not Aboriginal, the sorry speech was a gesture of good will and cleansing of the conscience for a country Rudd had seen as divided by lack of official acknowledgement by past governments.
Now Rudd is able to proceed with reforms in Aboriginal communities that carry strong resemblances to those styled by the "harsh" former Howard government. The only difference now is Rudd has the people on side.... because he said sorry.
Any good that is achieved from our billions thrown at outback communities is to be applauded. I just wonder how long it will be before the Aboriginals realise the policies on offer from Rudd are pretty much the same old wolf dressed up as a lamb.
Welfare band aids never succeeded in the past. I believe when we look back on the apology day we will measure it's worth by the difference made from that day forth in the remote outback communities.
This wheel is in motion and the best thing to do from here IMO is to wish all on board the best of luck.
