I would like to know what people think ... Should the Prime Minster,
be it Howard or Rudd, issue a formal apology to the Aboriginal people?
If yes - Why? if no - why not?

Would it help? would it in any way change the dreadful life of far too many Aboriginals?
Would it be used to say pay me? give me some money?
NO.
I know Rudd may do it but my answer is NO.
Accountability is a two way street.

Dear Belly,

How sad to have you say - no. An apology from the Prime Minister
may not mean much to you. However, it is a start, and at least an
acknowledgement of a vital part of this country's history. As the late Rob Riley said, "...It's simple, unless you give us back our nationhood, you can never claim your own."

yup

I think it's too late for an apology from Howard to have any value.
Let the next PM do it or somebody who does it freely and with a bit of sincerity.

Remember when John Howard was suggested that the Japanese Government apologise to Australia for incidents that happened during WW2?

Wobbles is right, it's too late for Howard to do it for it to be taken seriously. Mind you, in the remote chance that he's re-elected it would certainly be a symbolic way of extending and cementing his latter day change of heart towards Indigenous people. Maybe in addition to the main apology from the Australian Government on behalf of the Australian nation, he could add a personal one for his 11 years of active neglect by his government of Indigenous people and their interests.

If and when Rudd's elected, it should be one of the first things he does in order to rebuild respect between the Australian State and its Indigenous people. The preamble should also probably go ahead too, and be coordinated with the apology.