So proud

The new Government's performance since the election has flip-flopped a bit for me. Perhaps it's just "coming down" from the whirlwind "it's time" promises and heady celebrations of November 24.
But today I finally felt like a new era had arrived. Thank you Kevin Rudd.
A traditional Welcome To Country from an Aboriginal elder for the opening of the new Parliament is just the most wonderful innovation. Frankly, I'd like to see the black rod replaced by the message stick given to the PM by Matilda House-Clements today as part of the ceremony.
Listening to that "gracious old lady" (as a woman who knows about these things referred to Mrs House-Clements) delivering her Welcome and determinedly pronouncing her aitches in words like 'honourable', tears welled in my eyes.
I know you think I am a pussy, but it just meant so much to me. I'm not sure why. Aboriginal people are a beautiful people. I know it best firsthand having lived with my wonderful Wiradjuri Warrior, Mal, during Outback House. His welcome to country in Dubbo was a wonderful moment for me - knowing the local spirits would see me safe. He taught us all a lot about his culture while we were there.
Anyway, I'm digressing. The point I wanted to make is that I am so incredibly proud to be part of a nation, under a Government, which has done something so symbolic today. It's not every day a new national tradition is born. Finally Kevin Rudd and Kevin Sheedy have something in common beyond having a daggy first name.
But tomorrow is, undoubtedly the biggie. Tomorrow, history will be made. An apology to the Stolen Generation which, to my mind, also reads as a wider apology to the Aboriginal people of Australia for our mistreatment of them in the past.
I am so, so, fucking proud. I cannot tell you.
Thank you for restoring my faith in Government, restoring my faith in the human spirit, the Australian people and their judgement. It has been a long time coming. So long.