Opening of the 42nd Parliament of the Federal Government of Australia

Getting the processes of governing a nation right should be an inclusive process. Today's opening of the 42nd Parliament began with a Traditional Welcome by the owners of land. It has taken 41 parliaments to get to this stage. Well done Australia. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and the leader of the Opposition Party support the traditional welcome as a continuing practice. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's delivery of a formal apology to the 'stolen generation' is part of the inclusive process that recognises that healing the wounds of the past is part and parcel of moving forward