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Australian PM Howard Rejects 'Stolen Generation' Tribunal
Prime Minister John Howard rejected calls on Monday to set up a compensation tribunal for Aborigines taken as children from their parents by the authorities, known as the stolen generation.
Mr Howard acknowledged that many Aboriginal children had suffered trauma under the official policy, which ended in the 1960s, but said the court process was the appropriate mechanism for such cases.
"We acknowledge there is ongoing trauma," Mr Howard told parliament.
"But we do not support the idea of a tribunal - one of the reasons is because we don't believe it will be cheaper than the court system."
Opposition politicians and Aboriginal leaders have called for a new tribunal dealing with stolen generations claims to be set up to avoid costly court cases.
Labour opposition leader Kim Beazley has said a "proper public apology" as well a tribunal were needed.
The call comes after a court on Friday rejected landmark claims from two Aborigines suing the government for the trauma, emotional distress and cultural isolation they suffered after being taken from their families.
The ruling was a major setback to the 700 other Aborigines who have lodged writs seeking damages.
Mr Howard admitted Friday's court decision was significant.
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