The government finally 'gets it'

It is difficult to believe that those who still oppose an apology would not agree that it would be wrong to separate a child from their parents because of their race. Surely more is needed - such as neglect and danger. If that be the case, the past removal policy (removal based on race) was wrong and many have suffered.

It is a sign of respect and civility to now say “sorry”. This does not make the current generation responsible for the past policies but it is an acknowledgement that many Aboriginal people suffered as a result of the removal policy.

As a sign of that acknowledgement and as an example of good civil manners, the national parliament on behalf of the Australian society should apologise for an historical wrong. The apology is a sign that we empathise with those that were removed from their families - it is not an act of guilt.

Today’s apology in Parliament by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has the potential to be watershed in the history of relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australia. Time will tell if it is to be seen as an historical landmark, acquiring the status of a national symbol.

Many Australians hope it will be.