Despite the hidden atrocities of Australian history, the actions of the nation as a whole do not necessarily mirror those of politicians and the fat-cats. Among ordinary people, there is a great desire to make amends.

'The Sea of Hands Campaign' on Bondi Beach in 1999 was a gesture which symbolised white opposition against government policy on black land rights.

Each coloured cardboard hand planted in the sand bore a citizen's name - raised in regret and reconciliation.

However, as Pilger points out in his closing thoughts, symbols are not justice.

Australia, he says, is a "nation of extraordinary contradiction. Unlike the United States, the first white Australians were not on a mission from God - they were godforsaken, convicts in leg irons.

"When the first immigration ships arrived in the 1950s, and little Belfasts, little Cypruses and little Lebanons sprung up, there was no blood on the streets.

"This surely stands as Australia's greatest achievement. It has become one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world and it has happened peacefully.

"The exceptions are those Australians who were here before anyone else. White Australians should listen to Aborigine survivors - the writers, teachers, elders, historians, artists and activists who are part of an extraordinary renaissance. What they demand is the political will for a treaty that will bring land and justice.

"No matter how successful the Sydney Olympics turn out to be, no matter how glittering the showcase, in the end civilisations are judged by how they treat alltheir people, especially the most vulnerable.

"Given Australia's democracy and its self-styled image of decency, given its wealth and brains, why is it not possible for a nation's leaders to behave honourably towards less than two percent of the population?

"Set against this question, the issue of whether or not Australia becomes a Republic in the 21st century is surely irrelevant.

"For until the 'first Australians' are given back their nationhood, the rest of us can never claim our own."