PM Rudd to formally apologize to Aborigines

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PRIME Minister-elect Kevin Rudd says that his government will make a formal apology to indigenous Australians early in its first term.
"It will be early in the parliamentary term," Mr Rudd said yesterday.
"We will frame it in a consultative fashion with communities and that may take some time."

His deputy Julia Gillard made the same pledge earlier in the day, saying it was Labor policy to say "sorry".

"I also absolutely support us taking the practical measures that would make a difference to the huge life expectancy gap and the lack of opportunity that so many indigenous Australians face in their lives."

Leading Aboriginal activist Mick Dodson said he was confident progress on reconciliation will be achieved with the new Labor government, especially given it was in power federally and across the states.

more at link: http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,22826507-5006301,00.html