ABORIGINAL leader Patrick Dodson has called for compensation in the wake of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's historic apology to the Stolen Generation.
Mr Dodson, the former chairman of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, said anyone treated badly under the law deserved to pursue recompense.
"But let us do it in a considered and negotiated manner as part of a careful constructed process aimed at building an Australian nation that recognises and respects Aboriginal history, culture, language and society," Mr Dodson said.
Mr Rudd's long-awaited apology carefully avoided any mention of compensation and was received with mixed emotions across the nation.
Liberal MP, Chris Pearce, read during the motion and the speeches, refusing to get to his feet for several standing ovations.
He stood begrudgingly only when MPs were asked to vote on the motion.
Elsewhere, reactions ranged from tears of joy to a boycott by other Liberal MPs, and jeers from some onlookers outside Parliament when Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson rose to deliver his own endorsement of the apology.
Dr Nelson refused to condemn the behaviour of Liberal MPs who snubbed the event, saying everyone had the right to express their view.
"Every Australian has a different perspective and a different point of view on all issues," he said later.
"The important thing for us is to respect difference of opinion."
Thousands of people converged on Canberra and public spaces throughout the nation to watch live broadcasts of the address to Aboriginal families whose children were forcibly removed.
"As Prime Minister of Australia, I am sorry,'' Mr Rudd told Parliament.
"On behalf of the government of Australia, I am sorry."
"On behalf of the parliament of Australia, I am sorry. I offer you this apology without qualification."
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,23204279-5001021,00.html
Mr Dodson, the former chairman of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, said anyone treated badly under the law deserved to pursue recompense.
"But let us do it in a considered and negotiated manner as part of a careful constructed process aimed at building an Australian nation that recognises and respects Aboriginal history, culture, language and society," Mr Dodson said.
Mr Rudd's long-awaited apology carefully avoided any mention of compensation and was received with mixed emotions across the nation.
Liberal MP, Chris Pearce, read during the motion and the speeches, refusing to get to his feet for several standing ovations.
He stood begrudgingly only when MPs were asked to vote on the motion.
Elsewhere, reactions ranged from tears of joy to a boycott by other Liberal MPs, and jeers from some onlookers outside Parliament when Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson rose to deliver his own endorsement of the apology.
Dr Nelson refused to condemn the behaviour of Liberal MPs who snubbed the event, saying everyone had the right to express their view.
"Every Australian has a different perspective and a different point of view on all issues," he said later.
"The important thing for us is to respect difference of opinion."
Thousands of people converged on Canberra and public spaces throughout the nation to watch live broadcasts of the address to Aboriginal families whose children were forcibly removed.
"As Prime Minister of Australia, I am sorry,'' Mr Rudd told Parliament.
"On behalf of the government of Australia, I am sorry."
"On behalf of the parliament of Australia, I am sorry. I offer you this apology without qualification."
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,23204279-5001021,00.html
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