Kevin Rudd’s “sorry speech”, issued om the 13th of February 2008, was the first official apology from the Australian government taking responsibility for its past mistreatment of indigenous people during the mid-1800s and late 1970s. this essay will be focused on john Howards and Kevin Rudd’s opposing opinions on reconciliation. Howards called Rudd’s apology an “empty gesture” in 2022, 14 years after the apology was made. Kevin Rudd’s apology wasn’t empty gestured as it gave acknowledgement pf past governments policies and allowed for reconciliation.
The apology was a way of promptly enforcing reconciliation across all Australia. This started a process of healing that allowed for all Australians, indigenous and non, to come together this public
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It addressed the ongoing struggles that Indigenous people continue to confront and shown a willingness to talk about the challenging parts of Australia's past. The apology gained attention around the globe and was seen as a constructive step for other countries to take in dealing with their own related problems. The apology portrayed Australia as devoted to and forgiving of its past while striving for a future that is more inclusive. The apology improved not only Australia's standing in the globe but also its reputation. Rudd's focus on multilateralism and regional cooperation helped Australia's links and partnerships with its neighbours and with global powers. A turn towards China was caused by Rudd's 2008 speech at the Perkins universities, which was entirely in Mandarin. Kevin Rudd's apology was more than an empty gesture, as seen by this address and the efforts that followed to forge stronger diplomatic ties, boost trade, and foster understanding of Australia's responsibilities to its people. The 2008 apology was a powerful way to recognise the rights freedoms of Australia’s first nations people. It represented a significant step towards acknowledging the unique culture, connection to land and historical experience of indigenous representation and infoldment of indigenous in policies, social and economics areas. The basis for empowering indigenous indigenous communities and advancing their self-determination was made by the indication of a desire to make amends for past