Saying sorry

On last night's Lateline, Marcus Einfeldt said how kind and how graciously received was the PM's apology to Vivienne Solon for her illegal deportation and treatment at the hands of the Department of Immigration.( see here for that extraordinary apology). Tony Jones immediately jumped to the question of whether or not that expression of sorrow was also an admission of legal liability.
What idiocy would lead us to think that that is so? Only p[resumably that which is fuelled by our lust for controversy. Even the slightest understanding of the separation of powers would cause us to understand that it is the Courts, whether the "high court of Parliament", the Supreme, Federal or High Court that will determine legal liability; and not the word of one its agents...albeit one at the pinnacle such as a Prime Minister.
If we would not expect such bizarre connection perhaps Howard would have expressed his sorrow to the aboriginal people along time ago.
While there is no doubt in most of our minds that it is appropriate that the Rau's and Solon's of this world should receive financial compensation for the gross injustices that have been wrought upon them, the mere throwing of money at these situations does little to address the pain and the destruction of life and psyche that has taken place. Nevertheless it is not unreasonable to think that there should be some financial recompense...and equally well there should be a word of sorrow. One is not more valuable than the other...they are different components of the expression of regret.
We are still waiting for the sorry to the aboriginal peoples of Australia!