The Age, September 28 2000

Dear Sir,

It is indisputable that in winning gold, Cathy Freeman has given Indigenous people and all Australians an enormous sense of pride and joy. Congratulations Cathy. However it is inappropriate to suggest that the winning of gold has progressed the Reconciliation imperative. To do so implies that Reconciliation can be "furthered" by the achievement of individual Indigenous people in a sporting event, rather than by a fundamental change in the way we as a nation relate to our past and the injustices committed against our fellow indigenous citizens, their families and friends. What would have been the status of Reconciliation had Cathy not won her event?

To suggest that Reconciliation can be "moved" by winning gold gives it a sense of superficiality that belies it importance to the Australian character, its history and destiny.

With the greatest respect and admiration of Cathy's stunning sporting efforts, the issue of Reconciliation transcends gold, sport and the individual. It is the issue that shows our moral fibre and sense of social justice - or as a result of this Government's ineptitude, the lack of it.