PM Rudd breaks with tradition for opening 42nd. parliament

[andypandy453]

I visited Australia 5 years ago and some of the Aussies were a bit hostile towards me as an English bloke in regards to how the Abor. were treated and I said - you have a full democracy for a long time and the laws are passed by the Aussies don't pass the buck - I think that by issuing an apology and not mentioning the Queen or traditional links the PM of Australia is saying - we accept our responsibility for wrongs and the apology is from us - getting straight to the heart of the matter

[rileykernaghan]

It is a good move by the PM. I am glad they still hear the Speech in the Senate, though. The Queen should come in 2012 and do it herself for the Diamond Jubilee.

[Kushanjaya]

Well, this was quite a nice thing to do, Kevin Rudd is quite a good Prime Minister, if only he would acknowledge the fact that the Queen is the Head of State of Australia and if only Kevin Rudd would honour the Queen, then along with some of good things he has done, he would be one of the greatest Prime Ministers in the history of Australia.

Long live the Commonwealth of Australia!

Long live Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Australia!

[XLongbeachX]

mate this isnt ENgland this is Australia if you want ur acknowledgement go back to your great Britain.

[Kushanjaya]

Wrong. Please read [en wikipedia org/wiki/Australia] <replace spaces with dots. The infobox on the right side of the article.

When did I say I'm from Great Britain? I didn't. Don't assume stuff.

Queen Elizabeth II is Queen of Australia.

[XLongbeachX]

I think you need to go back to school or at least ask some people who have knowledge about politics. know that times have changed for the Queen. Even England itself doesnt need to answer to the Queen. The prime minister's now calls the shots the Queen has no power at all she is bottled up and just for show . Where was the Queen of england 60,000 years ago was she in Australia. She's not my Queen and dont forget Australia has a long Black history. To correst you the Governor is the head of state.

[JustinFromSydney]

The liberal party let in record numbers of Asians and Muslims for ten years.

[juzzy74ktm]

My great great grandfather was shipped out to Australia as a convict & as a young boy for stealing food. What did England care about him surviving as he was kept by a master & beaten & punished with the treadmill for years. Maybe England should apologise to us!I'm glad Mr Rudd didn't acknowledge England or the Queen. Well done Mr Rudd!

[AustralianMonarchist]

This 'Welcome to Country' thing is an insult to Australia's Westminster system of government. It seriously overshadowed the traditional opening of the House of Representatives. Wilson Tuckey was right not to waste his time and attend this. Kevin Rudd is un-Australian. Labor does not deserve your vote at the next federal election.

[lanz0r4tehwin]

Best time my dick. I think 1901's parliament was a little better. Self righteous bastards.

[pi550]

We should now be able to expect that they get ogg the grog and get a job!! And send their kids to school!!!

[AustralianMonarchist]

I am fed up with Kevin Rudd no manners at all. Yesterday, at the opening of the House of Representatives, Kevin Rudd didn't mention Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. He also didn't mention the Queen, when he was being sworn in as PM in December. You ought to be ashamed of yourself Mr Rudd. John Howard mentioned the Queen, in his oath in March 1996. Unlike you Kevin Rudd, John Howard was a gracious man.

[kevvys1a1woos]

Quite so AM.

[anjica92]

last time i checked england was the one that INVADED this country because it ran out of jail space. This country DOES NOT belong to the queen but to the people it was stolen from. Get your facts straight before making such comments.You say Howard is a gracious man, a gracious man apologies for his countries mistakes.

[lanz0r4tehwin]

Protip asshole: England invaded nothing. What they did is fucking colonised this country to make it better. Also, it's original function was to be a naval base to fuck up the dutch, then they found out how big this place is, and turned it into a great country, abo's had 45,000 years to do it. White fellas came along and did it in 200.

[youfrog44]

With such claims as yours, one wonders if you might set an example by speaking in a civilised manner. Personally, I don't believe that history moves along in a simple progression from 'worse to better' - life is more complex than that. Some things may be better, others worse. There is always change. We have to strive to improve but also to recognise that mistakes are made alongside achievements. I think the apology recognises that, and I for one believe it was worthwhile.

[Boneifice]

ENgland didn't want to turn the colonies into a country, go and learn your history, fool. And while you're at it cancel your membership to KKK, there's no place for people with such intolerant and racist attitudes in this country.

[Wiselala]

Why should Kevin speak of the queen? She isn't Australian, she is English.

[kellog1]

though i am not an aussie but I think Mr Rudd has done a good thing.

[MariannaZF]

Well done Prime Minister.