FED: Ridgeway hopeful of apology

AAP General News (Australia)
08-26-1999
FED: Ridgeway hopeful of apology

CANBERRA, Aug 26 AAP - Australian Democrats Senator Aden Ridgeway said today the journey of
healing had begun and that he was confident of a prime ministerial apology to the so-called
stolen generation.

"I think that it's probably fair to say that there have been some discussions with the
prime minister and that more than likely that there will be some productive outcome," Senator
Ridgeway told reporters.

"I have made it clear that in taking personal counsel from (Aboriginal leader) Lowitja
O'Donoghue that the point has been made that the journey of healing has already begun.

"They have moved beyond the apology and if there is expression of atonement in terms of
deep and sincere regret, as well as the other issues that I mentioned last night, I think that
indigenous people can be satisfied," Senator Ridgeway said.

Senator Ridgeway's maiden speech to parliament last night called on the government to
express deep and sincere regret for the hurt and trauma suffered by indigenous Australians.

Australia's only Aboriginal federal MP omitted the word sorry in a compromise Prime
Minister John Howard seems likely to accept.

Mr Howard refused to comment last night following Senator Ridgeway's much awaited speech.

MORE lm/was/br

KEYWORD: SORRY RIDGEWAY

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