Journal of East China Normal University (Philosoph ›› 2011, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (4): 21-29.

• 国际政治研究 • Previous Articles     Next Articles

A Political Apology from Australian Government and the Process of Racial Reconciliation

WANG Shi-Ming   

  • Online:2011-07-15 Published:2011-07-26
  • Contact: WANG Shi-Ming
  • About author:WANG Shi-Ming

Abstract: On 13 February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd expressed a formal apology to aboriginal people, particularly the Stolen Generations, in the honor of his government and the Commonwealth Parliament. This apology was made on the basis of the common sense among main parties, which then put an active role in the formation and implement of future aboriginal policies in Australia. Kevin Rudd’s political apology not only got much support from the dominant society, but also was basically accepted by aboriginal communities, which have created a good atmosphere and a necessary force to racial reconciliation. Yet, many challenges from Kevin Rudd’s political apology have suggested that the road to racial reconciliation will not be smooth

Key words: Kevin Rudd , Stolen Generation , political apology , racial reconciliation