What is Being Done

Kevin Rudd's long-awaited apology speech was widely applauded among both indigenous Australians and the non-indigenous general public. The government hopes the apology will repair the breach between the "white" Australians and the "black" Australians, and usher in a new era of recognition and reconciliation.

Mr Rudd has also outlined a new agenda on Aboriginal issues, including a commitment to close the 17-year life expectancy gap between Aborigines and other Australians within a generation, as well as halving Aboriginal infant mortality rates within a decade.

Kevin Rudd and his government inherited the sins of their previous governments and parliaments, but are on the path the right a wrong policy.