Byron Bay

Mind you, the Aborigines do have a lot to complain about.  I listened to a radio show about the Conniston massacre, which took place in the 1920's.  Basically a white guy was killed by Aborigines, at which point the local law enforcement took it into their minds to have a bit of a hunt.  In the end, at least 17 Aborigines were shot dead, although the Aborigines estimate at least double that number.  Men, women and children were herded together like cattle and shot down for beng in the area at the time.  This event shocked European Australians and marked a turn in public opinion, although the inquiry cleared all the police involved.  What disturbed me was the main police officer's defence to why he shot to kill when hunting all these people.   He answered, "Well what would I do with a wounded black feller, miles from anywhere?"
 
I know that Australia's record on how they treat their native people is only marginally better than South Africa, but was still shocked by the fact that Aborigines were only recognised as citizens in the late 1960's.  Still, I don’t want to get into an anti-Australian thing here.  I think Australia should be applauded for  moving in the right direction.  It may be shocking that the Mabo agreement, recognising land rights, only went through in 1992, but it seems to me that with the celebration of Aborigine culture that marked the Sydney Olympics, European Australians are finally realising that Aborigines enrich their country.  I know they have a way to go yet, but then let's face it - so does the UK.