I think the idea of 'reconciliation' has escaped the minds of many aboriginals. If I'm not mistaken, aborginals are not discriminated against in Australia, they have equal rights as every Australian, and our Prime Minister has publicly apologised for the stolen generation (an event in which modern day Australians did not do or support). Growing up in the city I had aboriginal friends who were as much our friends as anyone else and as much apart of the community as anybody else and also did not care about getting an apology or not. In other areas however (eg. North Queensland, Northern Territory) the local aboriginal community can be a problem, inciting violence and abusing alcohol. Despite this, our government and everyday Australians still put their hand out to help them. I believe reconciliation was achieved along time ago, and it is the aboriginals causing problems who just want more from the Australian Government and its people. The Australian people can only do so much, it is up to them to take advantage of all the benefits given to them by the Australian Government and go to school, become educated, get a job. There is nothing stopping them if they are willing to cooperate. They do not deserve to be treated higher than other Australians, the idea of changing Australia Day is ridiculous and calling it 'Invasion Day' is downright offensive. Mick Dodson, after just being declared Australian of the Year, has made a statement which will do nothing but sever relations with the aboriginal community.
