FED: Howard says reconciliation is alive and well

AAP General News (Australia)
04-14-2000
FED: Howard says reconciliation is alive and well

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD says despite criticism levelled at the government over indigenous
issues, the process of reconciliation isn't dead.

The Howard government abandoned the timetable for reconciliation, originally set for
January 1 next year to coincide with the centennary of federation.

Mr HOWARD says a document of reconciliation is not the only goal.

The process he says will probably go on for years.

But he warns that any foundation to continue with the reconciliation process after
January next year would be unlikely to have the same level of government and parliamentary
backing.

Aboriginal leaders have condemned the government for disagreeing with the term stolen
generation to describe Aboriginal people forcibly taken away from their families.

They have also slammed the decision not to apologise for those past policies and for
the government's refusal to provide compensation to the stolen children.

However the prime minister says reconciliation is still alive and looking better than
some people are saying.

His comments follow a dinner he hosted for the 18 ATSIC commissioners on Sunday and
a meeting with members of the Council for Reconciliation.

He says the government and reconciliation council are now discussing how the process
could continue beyond the end of the year, when the council winds up.

more RTV jg/dmc/rt

KEYWORD: RECONCILE HOWARD (MELBOURNE)

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