The Wire

While both major parties rack up the frequent flyer points with return visits to marginal electorates, the government seems to be placing very little value on the Indigenous vote. Last week The Wire reported some divisive comments made by Indigenous Affairs Minister Amanda Vanstone; last night the Prime Minister followed up with some controversial remarks of his own. Mr Howard says the focus on indigenous rights, instead of personal responsibility, over the past two decades has been wrong. Rubena Colbey asked Reconciliation Australia Committee member and former Sorry Day Chair Audrey Kinnear whether she thinks Mr Howard is trying to justify his refusal to say sorry.