Change in Australian Local Policies
In Australia after a recent election, the new prime minister, Kevin Rudd, of the labor party, announced Thursday that he will make a formal apology to the Aboriginal Australians after he is sworn into office.
A decade ago an inquiry found that the removal of indigenous children from the families was genocide, which is what Rudd is apologizing for.
Among other topics Rudd will cover after being sworn in, is investigating old education policies and supporting the repeal of WorkChoices.
Indigenous leaders welcome the formal apology, the Age said, but said the statement should include a commitment to improve health and living standards of the Aborigines.
The apology is important, the new co-chairman of Reconciliation Australia, Mick Dodson, said, but it is only part of the reconciliation process.
Dodson plans to propose a national plan that would address health, education, housing, and employment concerns.
The Department of the Prime MInister said there is a plan to buy computers for every student 9 to 12 years as part of Rudd's plan to fund education.
Rudd said he planned to have his administration play a larger role in indigenous affairs.