Election ‘07 Norg

Reconciliation about you

It might be deeply cynical of me, but I suspect that John Howard's newly found concern for reconciliation has very little to do with Aboriginals and more to do with winning votes. He's as much confessed that is the case.

Across middle Australia there has been a growing discomfort about the continual reports of problems faced by Aborigines. It's hard not to ignore the fact that many communities are in crisis.

When you consider the amount of time it's going to take to rectify these problems recognising Aborigines as the first Australians is almost an easy option. But Howrad says that road does not include a formal apology.

But Howard's sticking to his guns.

"There are plenty of people who will criticise anything that I do and say, and I'm not speaking to them," he said.

"I'm speaking very directly to middle Australia who does regard this as unfinished business, but they do not see it being resolved on the basis of guilt and the apportionment of blame."