If a fish and chip shop woman with ill-informed views can change the nation, then I have some faith that an Olympic champion like Cathy Freeman can inspire people in an opposite direction. This is the point I was trying to make about symbols. That is what is needed in any reconciliation, an opening up and an acceptance of the realities. I don't think anyone is deluded enough to believe that all has been solved but surely anyone who can help us to press on the accelerator a bit faster is good. I am convinced that is what Cathy Freeman has done.
People can sit in opposite corners and whinge endlessly.
They can complain that progress is too slow and conclude Cathy Freeman made no contribution. Look how much Australia has changed in the past 20 years. I think it is a totally different place and quite honestly a much better place in terms of tolerance and understanding. I have quite a lot of faith that significant progress will be made in the next few years. But, hey, they are not mutually exclusive.