Fed: Sir William accepts reconciliation ceremony invitation

AAP General News (Australia)
04-27-2000
Fed: Sir William accepts reconciliation ceremony invitation

By Rod McGuirk and Debra Way

CANBERRA, April 27 AAP - Governor-General Sir William Deane has accepted an invitation
to take part in the presentation ceremony for the national reconciliation document.

Sir William's official secretary Martin Bonsey said there was no suggestion his participation
in the ceremony would preclude Prime Minister John Howard from taking part.

A Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation spokeswoman said Sir William had been invited
to accept a declaration of reconciliation on behalf of the nation.

Sir William's leading role could spare Mr Howard the embarrassment of accepting a document
that is likely to contain an apology to Aborigines that he has ruled out supporting.

The spokeswoman could not say what role Mr Howard would play or why he had not been
invited to receive the document at the Corroboree 2000 ceremony at the Sydney Opera House
on May 27.

Mr Bonsey said Sir William had been surprised at suggestions his participation would
affect Mr Howard's role in the ceremony.

"The governor-general has not seen the proposed document which he understands is still
to be finalised," he said.

"Nor, to the best of his knowledge, has it ever been suggested that the governor-general
would purport to agree to the contents of the proposed document either on behalf of himself
or the people of Australia."

Mr Bonsey said Sir William had sought the advice of the government regarding aspects
of his participation in the ceremony.

"In the circumstances, the Governor-General is seeking the advice of the prime minister
generally in relation to the ceremony."

The council will begin a three-day meeting tomorrow to finalise the wording of the declaration.

Mr Howard already has said he will be at Corroboree 2000. The ceremony will be attended
by 2,000 political and community leaders.

AAP daw/mfh/as/bwl

KEYWORD: RECONCILE DEANE LEAD

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