In the pageantry marking the inauguration of Federation at Centennial Park, Sydney, on 1 January 1901, Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders were given no formal part. Those Australians who take our hands are those that dare dream of an Australia that could be. While other Australians may congratulate themselves on the progress of a century, they might also pause to reflect on why it took so long to get this far. They might also wonder whether it will take another century before Australia can proclaim the true reconciliation which so many of its citizens desire and take as the yardstick of a mature and harmonious nation. Compared to other Australians, they experience poorer health, shorter life expectancy, more limited educational and employment opportunities, and greater imprisonment.
Economic disadvantage restricts life choices and is a major obstacle to self-determination.
Prejudice still confronts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in their everyday lives. For these reasons, many remain sceptical about reconciliation. Divisions, differing views about reconciliation, and difficult issues remain to be addressed. Yet, as both the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the Olympics symbolised, the vision of reconciliation has struck a chord within Australian society. Public awareness of the issues of reconciliation has increased substantially and racist behaviour is much less tolerated.