We are at last on the path to reconcilliation with Prime Minister Rudd saying sorry to the Stolen Generations, nearly 11 years after Bringing Them Home. It's a momentous step and Rudd's speach was magnanimous, stately, appropriate.
Of course the cultural warriors on the other side of the House couldn't resist adding a sour note as their political enemies did what they couldn't bring themselves to do in 11 years of power. Nelson's speech attempted to place reservations on what was an unreserved apology. Abbott couldn't bring himself to clap during the standing ovation. It would have been entertaining to see Howard's sour face as the apology was delivered.
We now have much work ahead of us as a nation to build on this step, but it's a good start.