Passy, for many communities’ economic reparations is both historical and political. If economic prosperity and viability were simply measured against the current resources holdings there is not much hope at all of self determination being instrumental in decision making.

Aboriginal self determination as a political dimension of decision making will not be realized under a system of alien governance that was founded on dispossession.

This isn't rocket science but many like to throw this fundamental fact of history out with the bath water.

Reconciliation is not an act of benevolence, but an act of justice.

Consider for instance the Stolen Wages issue in many states where millions of dollars are locked up in trusts. Qld government's response was to pay an ex gracia payment of 2 and 4 thousand dollars, no where near what many were entitled to. There is not justice in this.

Many remote communities are land rich but resource poor. I don't for one moment think privatising all lands will solve economic problems. Communal lands are fundamental to Aboriginal identity and cultures.

Bear in mind that Native title did not deliver any real benefits. Indeed it is not property title at all.

A mix of reparations approaches (stolen generations, land and wages) along with a political will by governments will begin a real journey toward fixing many of the social problems that exist.

It’s interesting to note that many think these problems (created over many generations and decades and decades of overlapping federal and state laws and policies) will disappear overnight.

I find it ridiculous when silver bullet panacea's get trotted out every now and then and they are lapped up enthusiastically by the great unwashed (Left and Right). They just don't get it!

Thanks Rainier. I agree with your comments.

I also think in terms of justice that reconciliation is, as well as recognising past crimes and wrongs and providing some form of recompense, a process of liberation for all of us.

A treaty offers that opportunity. While NZ did it, Waitangi I suspect is not a good model because, as I understand it, the Maori want a more appropriate recognition of their ownership of the land.

Passy, check out the SG bill being reintroduced by Sen Andrew Bartlett here: http://parlinfoweb.aph.gov.au/piweb/view_document.aspx?ID=2727&TABLE=BILLS

I don't think it will get up but will test both sides of parliament and this will give us a clearer understanding of the 'apology'.