Sol's performance at Telstra was an F- to me, but his comment on racism may have had a point, although I haven't seen it in the full context. But the example quoted of the Aboriginal elder dying of dehydration in that metal cage is just totally abhorrent to any civilised notion of 'fair go'. Saying 'sorry' just doesn't cut it if this kind of behaviour can continue with no end in sight.

So amigo is racist ?.

We could have called him bluey.

Because he has red hair.

I know he does not have red hair ,that makes it even funnier and more confusing for an American.

Who let him in?.
A hundred Australians on 100,000 dollars would have done a better job for the same money.

Interesting point Stephen, however, I fail to see the connection between the 'apology', Sol and the appalling incident in the West. All countries have an element of racism within. In Malaysia, all businesses must be majority owned by a native malay (this may have changed in recent years but I doubt it).

Whilst no doubt there are racists within our mids, I believe there is a general perception within the community that our aboriginal brothers and sisters need to help themselves (as much as we non-aboriginals need to help them). Throwing money at the problem does not appear to have worked. Aboriginal Australians, like other Australians, need a reason to get up each day and need to undertake self-satisfying tasks throughout the day. This does not occur in many aboriginal communities. I would say the communities that work and live within Kakadu are an example of what can be done and are a role model to other communities.

One way is to mandate the teaching of aboriginal studies in all schools preferably by aboriginals. The culture is rich, complex and I believe, incredibly interesting. Educating all will go along way in breaking down the barriers that do exist.

There aren't too many Australian of aboriginal decent availing themselves of the large number of programs where they get preferential treament (positive discrimination I believe it is referred as). This includes access to schools, TAFEs, Unis and other programs offered by all levels of Government. There aren't too many in the Armed Services either.

Sol was appointed the CEO of one of Australia's most iconic companies and one held dear by many Australians. He laid of staff, did nothing to improve performance, services or the share price and walked away with millions. The timing of his departure couldn't have been worst with the remuneration of CEOs in the spot light. And he has the audacity to complain. I still don't get the connection.

While I agree the manner in which Mr Ward died was utterly disgraceful, I don't think the example of Sol is a good one, or a valid one.
Sol cannot be, in all honesty, described as possessing "esteemed business acumen", as I know many Telstra stock holders, and owners of companies he has previously headed would agree.
The reality is he is, and always has been an incompetent leader, and his comments were a departing shot to deflect criticism from his repeated ridiculously poor performance (of which he has a rich history).

To call us racist when you come from a country (let alone Wyoming) which still has incidents of young black men being tethered to the back of cars, and dragged to their death, is a real stretch.

I'm not saying there aren't racists in this country. There undoubtedly are, but all too often it's a very convenient defence used by some minority groups, when they are called on their own poor behaviour.

Rechts "I'm not saying there aren't racists in this country. There undoubtedly are, but all too often it's a very convenient defence used by some minority groups, when they are called on their own poor behaviour.'

Well said, completely agree with that, and would add that it is also used as an attack mode to shut down discussion and debate.

There seems to be a lot of Politicizing going on over a man's death. NO doubt had it been Mr Howard as Prime Minister the ABC and Greens would love to have blamed him. He would of been the target for months. Well that's the price we pay for our unbias ABC. Instead the attention is on the company and incompetent staff who are partly responsible for this tragic death.