The Politics of Apology – What are your thoughts on moving on, forgiving and forgetting, or apologizing [for any genocide]? “There comes a time in a nation's history when people must become fully reconciled with their past if they are to move forward with confidence to embrace their future” (Rudd, 2008: p. 167). The concept of apology is often linked to reparations in genocide studies (Lofstrom, 2011: p. 94). Scholars will question whether an apology or admission of guilt is an adequate post-genocide response. If an apology is not enough, then how does an institution, government, or political group address the issue of overcoming past mistakes? Does the very act of apologizing help mask the problems still faced by those who are oppressed? With reference to the apology to Indigenous Australians offered by the Federal Government on 13 February 2008, has this apology achieved its intended purpose or further work is required to achieve effective and lasting reconciliation between White Australia and its Indigenous ancestors. To explore these questions, it is important to gain a broader understanding of the content of the apology, the purpose of the apology, and also examine more closely the effects of the apology in a specific circumstance. Blatz, Schumann, and Ross (2009: p. 221) identify 6 key elements that make up a complete apology. These elements are: remorse, acceptance of responsibility, admission of injustice or wrongdoing, recognition of the victim's harm and/or suffering, tolerance or promises to behave better in the future, and offers of reparation. These elements should be present in every apology if it is to have the desired effect. Stamato (2008: p. 389) offers an interpretation of the purpose and effect...... middle of the paper ....... Axis dominance in occupied Europe. New York: The Lawbook Exchange Ltd. Lofstrom, J. (2011). Historical apologies as acts of symbolic inclusion – and exclusion? Reflections on institutional apologies as cultural citizenship policies. Citizenship Studies 15(1):93-108.Murphy, F. (2011). Archives of Grief: An exploration of Australia's stolen generations and their journey into the past. History and Anthropology 22(4):481-495.Rudd, K. (2008). Australia, House of Representatives 2008, Debates, vol.HR1, pp. 167, last accessed 22/3/2012, http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/genpdf/chamber/hansardr/2008-02-13/ 0003/hansard_frag.pdf;fileType=application%2FpdfShort, D. (2010). Australia: a continuing genocide? Journal of Genocide Research 12:45-68.Stamato, L. (2008). Peace, culture and the politics of apologies. Peace Review: A Journal of Social Justice 20:389-397.