[recoznet2] pm or PM?

[tim dunlop]

Just saw Howard deliver this motion and speech to the Parliament.  I'm very confused about the whole thing.  He seemed reasonably sincere and given what at is at stake - and given the apparent enthusiasm with which people like Lowitja O'Donahue are embracing his 'change of heart' - I feel inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt, but still can't help feel there is an emptiness in his words.  Beazley's response was sensational I thought, and he was unequivocal about the inadequacy of the motion and moved a couple of amendments.  If you can say "sincere regret" surely you are expressing sorrow; and if you are sorrowful, then surely you can say "sorry"?  His refusal to use the word 'sorry' smells rotten to me.  Anyway, here is the motion and I guess we'll see how it plays out.   Tim ==================== FROM THE PMs OFFICE   MOTION OF RECONCILIATION That this House: (a) reaffirms its whole-hearted commitment to the cause of reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians as an important national priority for all Australians; (b) recognising the achievements of the Australian nation, commits to work together to strengthen the bonds that unite us, to respect and appreciate our differences, and to build a fair and prosperous future in which we can all share; (c) reaffirms the central importance of practical measures leading to practical results that address the profound economic and social disadvantage which continues to be experienced by many indigenous Australians; (d) recognises the importance of understanding the shared history of indigenous and non-indigenous Australians and the need to acknowledge openly the wrongs and injustices of Australia�s past; (e) acknowledges that the mistreatment of many indigenous Australians over a significant period represents the most blemished chapter in our national history; (f) expresses its deep and sincere regret that indigenous Australians suffered injustices under the practices of past generations, and for the hurt and trauma that many indigenous people continue to feel as a consequence of those practices; and (g) believes that we, having achieved so much as a nation, can now move forward together for the benefit of all Australians. 26 August 1999