You CAN provide better material outcomes but it goes deeper than that. Symbolic moments shape the lives of individuals and nations. Anyone who doesnt believe this should read some more about psychology and history. Something else I am not sure I have read anything about. Everyone seems to focus on the feelings of white people.
Reconciliation is a two way street and a meeting of the minds.
Just as I can't speak for all white Australians, I can hardly speak for Aborigines, but I am sure many in the indigenous community must feel more positive about the country. Their opinions would not have been transformed, but surely many feel more positive about themselves and their country. Call me naive, call me stupid, but if both sides are feeling more positive about the other, then surely it follows that the prospects of a true reconciliation have been advanced. I for one am not prepared to sit back and conclude all symbols are useless and there is no hope. You could also conclude that the people who marched over the Harbour Bridge proved nothing.