I'm relieved the government 'gets it' because I don't.

Marlene (whose hands don't work any more) has asked me to type a few words.

Tassie, in order to truly change or fix something, we must grasp it. We must take responsibility. We must take ownership of it truly.

This is not some kind of woosy philosophical concept, it is the essence of human existence.

So we watched the ceremony on TV and felt a kind of pride and hope for this nation that we haven't experienced for years. It's not just about the indigenous people - its about all of us.

- it's been a long time between drinks.

The Government has got it alright – bad!

The wishy washy Opposition is infected for the sake of appearances and the fact that they don’t have the guts to resist political correctness.

Aborigines have had it confirmed by the silly sorry performance that they are pathetic mendicants, content to rely on grand gestures and handouts (they also want more money).

This person seems to have got the wrong script. He says that the government’s sorry should be on behalf of Australian society; but we have been assured by Rudd and all the apologists for saying sorry, that the Government is apologising on its own behalf, not for society or individuals.

Continuing along the different stories from different people vein, there is a story going around that the woman who did the welcoming in Canberra had no right to do so as she doesn’t even come from there.

The author does, however, have a more rational view than 'many' people on the numbers of Australians who agree with the sorry nonsense. He says 'many', not 'most' like the over-confident bull artists trying to bolster their own beliefs

This is possibly the only moment in my life when I can say I'm proud of my government.

The dispossession of Aboriginal land, of their children, of their wages and the consequences that followed are something that needs to be fixed.

Aboriginal people have a life expectancy of under 60 years, 25% less than average. The rate of rheumatic heart disease is 5-10 times the national average and responsible for 1/4 of all deaths. They suffer 4 times the average incidence of Type II diabetes, 8 times the level of kidney disease, 5 times the level of drug-induced mental disorders, 20 times the level of chlamydia infection and 20 times the level of gonoccocal infections.

Less than 40% of aboriginal Australians complete year 12, compared to the national average of 75%. Only 22% have vocational or higher education qualifications compared to the average 48%. A mere 4% have a bachelor's degree, compared to the average 21%. Aboriginals are 11 times more likely to be in prison and make up 1/5 of Australia's prison population. They are twice as likely to be victims of violence, they have 3 times the national unemployment rate, they are 6 times more likely to be homeless and 15 times more likely to live in improvised dwellings.

The speech is an excellent start. Now the real change begins.

The PM and Leader of the Opposition spoke very well and there was little any fair minded person could take issue with. However they have very high ideals and high goals. A two party Commission to fix everthing in 5 years?

I am no expert on aboridginal matters but am aware of human nature and to acheive the goals, it would mean a complete makeover of current aboriginal culture. There will be much resistance to giving up alcahol abuse, child abuse and violence, not to mention going to live where work is and to ensure the kids go to school each day. The stated goals put a lot of responsibility onto aboriginals to play their part.

I hope the scheme is successful and in fact am quite prepared to give up the proposed tax cuts if more money is needed to ensure success. However, at this stage, I have strong reservations about the outcome.

Banjo the same could be said about many non-indigenous Australians!