Society

Christian Calls for bipartisan ‘sorry’ overshadowed by a hesitant Opposition Leader

The chair of the Melbourne Anglican Social Responsibilities Committee, Dr Ray Cleary, has called for a bipartisan ‘sorry’ to be issued by both Houses of the national parliament, though his call was overshadowed by a remark given by the Opposition Leader, Dr Brendan Nelson, that there were more important issues to be dealt with.

The chair of the Melbourne Anglican Social Responsibilities Committee, Dr Ray Cleary, has called for a bipartisan ‘sorry’ to be issued by both Houses of the national parliament, though his call was overshadowed by a remark given by the Opposition Leader, Dr Brendan Nelson, that there were more important issues to be dealt with.

Dr Cleary said the recent pledge made by the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, to say ‘sorry,’ with the News Ltd. newspaper speculating it could be on February 12th when parliament opens, was an important turning point in the relationship between the indigenous and non-indigenous population.

“The Rudd Government’s recent pledge to make a formal, national apology is to be affirmed as an important turning-point in non-Indigenous society’s relationship-building with Australia’s original inhabitants.”

Furthermore, he added the apology would constitute a ‘fresh start’ to reconciliation but urged the Federal Government to do more in improving the well-being of Aboriginals.

“A national, bipartisan ‘Sorry’ presents a fresh start to reconciliation with Australia’s Indigenous people and provides our Federal Government a unique opportunity to redress generations of Aboriginal disadvantage.”


“Reconciliation is one part of the equation. The other part lies in addressing an ongoing lack of equity in, and adequate access to, quality education and health services, housing and employment.”

Dr Nelson told a Fairfax publication there were more important issues to deal with, especially with the economy. He also voiced his personal concern about one generation being responsible for the past.

"You have to ask yourself … whether that is the most important issue that's facing Australia when we've seen a decline in the share market, home interest rates go up, petrol get more expensive and a basket full of groceries harder to fill," he said.

The Coalition-led Opposition would discuss the issue next week with some supporting a formal apology such as Malcolm Turnbull.

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