Crowds around Australia boo Nelson's speech

By ninemsn staff
with wires

Opposition leader Brendan Nelson's reply to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's Stolen Generation apology has prompted a furious response around the country.

Dr Nelson's speech, which touched on the achievements of white Australians and the need for practical solutions to Aboriginal problems, hit a discordant note for many.

In stark contrast to the thunderous applause that greeted Mr Rudd's speech, Dr Nelson prompted booing, walk-outs and other shows of dissatisfaction at gatherings in Australia's major cities.

In Perth, the broadcast of the Opposition leader's speech was cut as Aboriginal people clapped to drown him out.

Midway through Dr Nelson's speech an Aboriginal woman, Catherine Coomer, started yelling out that the Opposition leader was degrading Aboriginal people.

Ms Coomer stood up and turned her back to the screen, and the crowd then began clapping loudly, before the broadcast was unplugged.

Premier Alan Carpenter said afterwards it was unfortunate Dr Nelson missed the mark.

In the grounds of Parliament House in Canberra, Aboriginal people expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Opposition leader's speech.

Many in the crowd turned their backs as Dr Nelson spoke, with some clapping and others shouting "shame".

At Sydney's Martin Place, a crowd of around 5000 people booed, clapped and chanted as the Opposition leader spoke.

Crowds in Melbourne's Federation Square gave Kevin Rudd a standing ovation, but several booed as Dr Nelson gave his response.

Halfway through, the entire crowd stood and turned their backs on Dr Nelson and people began chanting "Get him off".

Dr Nelson's speech called on Australians to focus on the need for contemporary reconciliation.

"Spare a thought for the real, immediate, seemingly intractable and disgraceful circumstances in which many indigenous Australians find themselves today," he said.

"Whether Australian by birth or immigration, each one of us has a duty to understand and respect what has been done in our name.

"In most cases, we do with great pride, but in others it is with shame."