Australia apologised to its indigenous people yesterday in a national Sorry Day aimed at acknowledging the mistreatment of Aborigines during more than two centuries of settlement.
But while many people accepted the invitation to make amends for the country's past mistakes by signing more than 1,000 'Sorry' books, the Government refused to join what it sees as a carefully orchestrated, politically correct response to a regrettable side of Australian history.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Herron made it clear there would be no formal apology from the Government.
He insisted it was not necessary to issue an apology to achieve reconciliation with the country's indigenous people.
It was a view shared by several state government leaders including the Premier of Western Australia, Richard Court, who said the national Sorry Day would not help to foster understanding.
'I believe it's an unfortunate day,' he admitted.
