Their signatures do not only acknowledge past wrongs, they are a commitment to a future in which our racial, ethnic and cultural diversity is not a source of division, it is source of strength. We need to recast our perspective. Australia has a strong tradition of social justice which can provide a common source of inspiration across political divisions. We also have a history of racism. Just as the past is not a source of guilt, but guidance for the future, so the past is no guarantee that justice will prevail.
Nothing is static.
And nothing is assured. Whether Australia is a racist nation lies with the people of this country and the answer still lies in the balance. Last updated 9 March 2001. Your comments and feedback are welcome.