Apology Australian Military Harassment Case Criticized
Sydney (AFP / Reuters) - Australia's apology to victims of sexual harassment in the military on Tuesday criticized as an act too hastily and in a time that is not appropriate, even when the apology was welcomed as an important step.
When former prime minister Kevin rudd apologized in 2008 for the "stolen generation" of Aboriginal, many people who are in Camberra to witness the historic event inside and outside parliament.
But when Defence Minister Stephen Smith to apologize to those who have suffered in the military in parliament on Monday, his speech came a few hours after the announcement that it will be done.
"The substance of the apology is very large, the time is not right," says Senator Nick Xenophon.
"It is puzzling why he did not give a warning to victims and victims' groups so that they can be in the room. It's part of the healing process. "
Smith said that the most important thing is that the apology was made immediately. "My concern is that if it is done now, it can not be done until next year," he told Sky News.
"It's not like other apologies that we've seen when there is a group in society that anxious to change the views that are important to the Australian community."
"On this occasion, we have people who do not want any publicity, privacy protection they desire. And finally, the most important thing is to apologize, "he added.
When former prime minister Kevin rudd apologized in 2008 for the "stolen generation" of Aboriginal, many people who are in Camberra to witness the historic event inside and outside parliament.
But when Defence Minister Stephen Smith to apologize to those who have suffered in the military in parliament on Monday, his speech came a few hours after the announcement that it will be done.
"The substance of the apology is very large, the time is not right," says Senator Nick Xenophon.
"It is puzzling why he did not give a warning to victims and victims' groups so that they can be in the room. It's part of the healing process. "
Smith said that the most important thing is that the apology was made immediately. "My concern is that if it is done now, it can not be done until next year," he told Sky News.
"It's not like other apologies that we've seen when there is a group in society that anxious to change the views that are important to the Australian community."
"On this occasion, we have people who do not want any publicity, privacy protection they desire. And finally, the most important thing is to apologize, "he added.
