The Victim's Prerogative

Show Us The Money

Look, it's a fair cop. The Australian Government is going to issue an apology for the Stolen Generation, but they've said all along that they won't it tie to money. This isn't sitting well with some sections of the Aboriginal community and rightfully so; and yet I have to say it rankles with me.

The National Aboriginal Alliance says the Federal Government should go further than this week's apology to Indigenous Australians and award compensation.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has ruled out financial compensation for members of the Stolen Generations, despite a recommendation in the 1997 'Bringing Them Home' report.

Alliance spokesman Les Malezer says Wednesday's formal apology is welcome, but not enough.

"We are also concerned that the apology is not being accompanied by reparations, which is part of forgiveness, as part of admitting that the wrong thing was done," he said.

"Once the apology has been issued, and providing the apology is not qualified, we will then go on to ask the Government to now consider how it will pay compensation."

Earlier, Mr Rudd said he was still working on the exact wording of the apology.

"The key thing, the absolute key thing here is to get it right in terms of the Stolen Generations themselves, to make sure the language is right," he said.

"That's my first responsibility, otherwise next Wednesday's a wasted event."

I think the discourse always goes:

"We don't want money. We just ant an apology."
"But if we apologise, you'll take that statement as a statement of culpability and want compensation."
"No we won't. Just apologise!"
"Okay. 'I'm Sorry for the dastardly deeds our forefathers perpetrated."
"Apology accepted. Now pay up!"

Which is why some people didn't want to apologise in the first place. I would like to say, if money is going to make the issue go away, how come it hasn't gone away so far? A symbolic apology should be made, and neither side should be quibbling about money in relationship to an apology.

Just as much as the Liberal Government's fear of compensation made their reluctance to make the apology look cheap, the demand for financial compensation on the eve of the apology cheapens the cause for the indigenous people. It ain't about the money if you want to make settlements.
So stop talking about compensation pay outs. Do the right thing by your cause. It's the honorable thing to do for both side - It's how peace settlements are made by honorable parties.