Yesterday he was inundated with them, but many ideas were old ones dressed up as new.

The summit recommended a republic, a bill of rights, a revamp of the federation and changes to tax laws.

Marathon champion Rob de Castella offered a fair reflection of how most summiteers felt after the weekend-long conference was over.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to be part of it. I think it's been a wonderful occasion," he said.

"I think we've given the Prime Minister and the Government a wonderful outline for a plan for the future of Australia over the next 12 years at least - and beyond."

Miriam Lyons, director of the Centre for Policy Development, says the most important idea to come out of the summit is a new national approach for the country.

"We're dealing with 19th century plant and equipment when you look at Australia's democracy. That's what this country would be if we were a company," she said.

"We really need to upgrade that and take advantage of a whole range of different ways of engaging people in decision-making, so I was very excited that was one of the things that came out of this weekend."

South Australian Premier Mike Rann believes the 2020 talks will be as important as Bob Hawke's economic summit of 1988.

"Ultimately people want to see deliverable outcomes. I know the Prime Minister's committed to that," Mr Rann said.

"I mean Bob Hawke's summit - which was brilliant - was about the economy. This covers everything from the arts to Indigenous affairs, so it's an incredibly gutsy, bold and brave move, and the participants deserve the respect of all of us [for] responding as best as we can in the shortest amount of time."

Most of the groups listed several broad-ranging ideas; covering constitutional changes, Australia's place in the world and new ideas for health, education, and economic policy.

The government has committed to respond to all of the proposals by the end of the year.

Kevin Rudd told the 1,000 delegates their contributions will be taken very seriously.

"I don't want to have to explain to my kids and perhaps their kids too that we failed to act, that we avoided the tough decisions, that we failed to prepare Australia for its future challenges - be they in security, the economy, across the fracturing of our society the need to rebuild it, our place in the world and the overarching challenge of climate change," Mr Rudd said.

"We'll be looking at proposals in detail, investigating and consulting further and providing a response by year's end whether it's a yes, a no or or maybe, or with changes.

"Second we understand that the ideas process doesn't start and finish in one weekend in Parliament House Canberra, we don't want to stop the flow of ideas, we want to keep this going.

"This summit is not the end, from my point of view, this summit is just the beginning."

Among the ideas suggested were a national curriculum, an opt-out system for organ donation and a rating system to help people choose healthier food options.

Assistant Treasurer and Consumer Affairs Minister Chris Bowen told ABC1's Inside Business program that FuelWatch "is just one step, we're not just concentrating on the retail sector."

Under the scheme, which is to be introduced in December, petrol station operators will tell the ACCC what the next day's prices will be, the regulator will tell consumers what to expect, and prices willl be locked in at the bowser for 24 hours.

Independent service station operator Paul Andronicou, of Fast Fuel in suburban Melbourne, says FuelWatch should be aimed at the oil companies and major supermarkets with discount fuel shopper dockets because "they're the ones that sell most of the fuel in the market and they set the price."

Another independent, Peter Anderson of APCO, which has 19 sites in Victoria, says under FuelWatch "we won't lead the market down as low. We'll be very cautious going down to the bottom end of the market."

The independent service station operators also dispute the Minister's claims that FuelWatch in Western Australia has seen "about two cents a litre cut in the price of fuel."

But there may be other measures aimed further up the pricing chain.

Under the scheme, service stations will have to declare their petrol prices a day in advance, and the prices will be available to consumers on a website or by text message.

Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Competition Policy Chris Bowen says that the scheme should lower prices by about two cents per litre.

"What we didn't expect was that the Liberal Party would so quickly dismiss a plan and a policy to deliver real benefits to Australian motorists," he said.

"All the evidence from Western Australia, where this scheme has been in operation with the support of both political parties for the last eight years, is that it delivers real benefits to motorists."

There has been a mixed reaction to the Government's plan to introduce a fuel price monitoring system.

The president of the NRMA, Alan Evans, said the scheme has worked well in Western Australia.

But others, like David Cumming from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), believe the monitoring system puts independent retailers at a disadvantage.

The Federal Opposition's consumer affairs spokesman Luke Hartsuyker yesterday said there was doubt about whether Western Australians are better off as a result.

"We welcome any proposal that is going to provide concrete savings to motorists," he said.

"But the FuelWatch system certainly hasn't delivered guaranteed reductions for motorists in Western Australia."

But Chris Bowen says that is not happening in Western Australia, where the scheme has been running for several years.

"There will always be cheaper days to buy petrol ... the evidence from Western Australia is that there is still a petrol cycle, it lasts longer and is not as volatile," he said.

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) chairman Graeme Samuel says an ACCC report did not find any evidence to suggest FuelWatch led to an increase in prices in Perth relative to the eastern seaboard.

"There is some evidence to suggest that on average it led to a decrease of between one and two cents a litre, but as I have always emphasised it's far more important to give them [motorists] power to understand when and where they can buy petrol at the cheapest price," he said.

He says consumers will know when prices are going to increase.

"They'll also know when they're going to decrease and they can therefore defer their buying until they get to their lowest points," he said.

-abc.net.au

Retailers must register their prices 24 hours in advance under the Government plan, allowing customers to use the internet to find the cheapest fuel.

Some motoring groups believe it will lead to an end to the weekly price dip on a Tuesday and others say the monitoring system puts independent retailers at a disadvantage.

Opposition finance spokesman Peter Dutton has told ABC Radio's AM program he wants the Government to guarantee no-one will be worse off.

"In Sydney alone, we know that on Tuesday, 10 million litres are pumped into people's tanks, compared to 5 million litres on a Thursday," he said.

"That's replicated in other major cities in eastern states and those people, with no question at all, will be paying more for their petrol under FuelWatch than they do at the moment."

New South Wales Service Station Association president Craig Glasby says that low point could go up by two cents.

Mr Glasby says FuelWatch, which is based on a scheme already operating in Western Australia, may not lead to any price reductions.

"Over in the east coast, we have a more competitive market than there is over in the west coast, so we're not sure it's going to actually do anything number one," he said.

"Number two, we think it's going to impose problems for the independent market."

But NRMA president Alan Evans says that is propaganda.

"The fact of the matter is, when you look at Western Australia, the research shows quite clearly that it improved the competitive position in Western Australia," he said.

"Indeed, Perth enjoys lower prices than Sydney...

"[Service stations] are going to have to think, they're going to have to plan and they're going to have to make sure they're starting out the day at the best price."

The scheme will be introduced by the end of the year.

-abc.net.au

The Federal Government wants petrol retailers to register their price 24 hours in advance, so people can choose where to buy the cheapest fuel.

The president of the NRMA Alan Evans says the scheme has worked well in Western Australia.

"Its operation in Western Australia we think has reduced the average price for motorists," he said.

"[It has] certainly got rid of some of those major problems of motorists driving up to a station in the morning to find the price has increased by 15 or 20 cents."

But others, like David Cumming from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), believe the monitoring system puts independent retailers at a disadvantage.

"If the independents go out of the market, there is no way in the world we are going to see cheaper prices," he said.

"It will deprive Victorians of their weekly cheaper prices."

The Federal Opposition's consumer affairs spokesman Luke Hartsuyker says there is doubt about whether Western Australians are better off as a result.

"We welcome any proposal that is going to provide concrete savings to motorists," he said.

"But the FuelWatch system certainly hasn't delivered guaranteed reductions for motorists in Western Australia."

The Opposition has asked the Government to guarantee fuel prices will be lower under the scheme.

-abc.net.au

Mr Gosper, International Olympic Committee (IOC) deputy president, said the Chinese flame "protectors" would be called on in the event of "really serious trouble" when the torch passed through Canberra on April 24.

"The security people from China, they call themselves the torch protectors, will be there," Mr Gosper said.

The comments contradicted Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's previous assurances the tracksuited officials would not take part in the Canberra leg of the relay.

Mr Rudd again ruled out allowing Chinese paramilitary officers to be involved in the security arrangements in Canberra.

In a statement he read from ACT Policing, Mr Rudd said in no uncertain terms that the Chinese torch attendants would have absolutely no responsibility for its security.

"The Chinese torch attendants have a practical responsibility in relation to servicing the flame but have no responsibility in terms of security," Mr Rudd said.

"This has been made clear to the Chinese authorities. Under no circumstances, no matter what occurs, will they be called upon to perform a security function."

The Committee is in the process of assisting the CCC and the Parliamentary Inspector to resolve a number of issues related to their respective functions and powers.

In a statement, the Committee's Chairman Ken Travers said the matters are being considered as a matter of the highest priority and a report will be tabled in Parliament soon.

He says, in the meantime, the Committee believes there is no public benefit in either the CCC or the Parliamentary Inspector, Malcolm McCusker, making public comment or tabling further reports concerning the matters in dispute between them.

-abc.net.au

Australia will provide $41 million over the next four years to help the Philippines improve basic education and access to public schools.

The money will go towards building teaching centres and buying learning materials.

-abc.net.au

Centrelink has contacted thousands of recipients, ordering them to pay back previously written off debts worth between $20 and $100, which had been waived by the former Howard government.

On Channel Nine, Ms Macklin has defended the move.

"One of the things that's important in Centrelink and in the whole area of welfare payments, is to make sure that people get the entitlements that they should get, but they shouldn't be able to take advantage of the system," she said.

-abc.net.au

Village Roadshow says the African Safari park would be larger than any other Australian theme park and create up to 7,000 jobs.

Spokesman John Harnden says it could be open by 2010 and an application will be made for State Government funding.

"We've put together a package of the overall cost of the project and that, with a whole range of other issues, are the things that need to be worked through in detail," he said.

"Again, this is about a partnership, this is about ourselves - Zoos Victoria and the Government working together and all bringing different things to the table to make this happen."

Mr Harnden would not specify how much Government funding is being sought.

"At this stage it's too early to say, it's about working out exactly how the partnership would work, exactly who's doing what, and exactly how that would go forward, so again, that is an important part of a number of issues that need to be worked through," he said.

The Wyndham Council says it is yet to formally consider the proposal, but mayor Kim McAliney says it is an exciting project.

"While it's not official though council at the moment, it would bring huge economic benefits in terms of employment and jobs, and it would be a considerable iconic event in the city of Wyndham," she said.

The Victorian Government is supporting the plans but Tourism Minister Tim Holding says the developers must still gain the support of Zoos Victoria, and meet planning guidelines.

"Obviously there are issues that are raised, we think those issues can be worked though," he said.

"Planning approvals, access issues, and of course it's vital that the welfare of the animals is paramount in any consideration of how we might build a theme park in the area of the Werribee Open Range Zoo."

Zoos Victoria says it will not support a commercial takeover of the zoo.

Chairman Andrew Fairley says while he is not against a theme park adjoining the zoo, the zoo itself should remain in public hands.

"There is no need for that to include this obligation, or this takeover of the Werribee Open Range Zoo. We think we do it much better," he said.

-abc.net.au

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has already said he might avoid the Opening Ceremony for that reason, but Mr Rudd says he does not believe in boycotts.

He says his decision on whether to accept the invitation he has been given depends on how much time he has.

"The President of China, Hu Jintao, has extended an invitation to myself and to my family, and what we've said to the Chinese consistently since then, is that we're not in a position to confirm whether we would go," he said.

"It'll depend entirely on timing constraints as we get closer to the event and that remains our position."

Mr Rudd says he does not think that Olympic boycotts work as a form of political protest.

"I've said before and I'll say it again - I don't believe that Olympic boycotts are productive," he said.

-abc.net.au

They show that New Zealand's Asian population is growing faster than any other ethnic group and could reach nearly 800,000 by 2026, outnumbering Indigenous Maoris.

The conservative New Zealand First Party has now said that many Asians are failing to integrate into New Zealand society and that immigration should be curbed.

The party's critics warn that its leader's comments could jeopardise a free trade agreement under discussion between New Zealand and China.

Radio Australia's Pacific Beat has found the anti-Asian sentiment expressed by the New Zealand First Party has captured the attention of news organisations around the world.

Party member Peter Brown has called for a national conference to discuss community concerns about immigration.

"We've got to be able to ensure that 390,000 people or thereabouts coming into this country integrate into our society," he said.

"I simply say that if we aren't able to do that, then we will end up with mini-societies, mini-communities in New Zealand, living as if they were living somewhere else in Asia.

"Where I've seen that occur, in many places in the western world, that is to the detriment of those countries, and it will be to the detriment of New Zealand."

Mr Brown denies that that his views are racist.

"I'm not anti-Asian, I'm simply saying that if people come in from different cultures, they need to integrate, to become 'Kiwis', if you like," he said.

Mr Brown says the New Zealand Government has failed to provide the necessary support for immigrants and says this will further encourage ethnic ghettos.

He says his party will continue to raise these views in the lead-up to New Zealand's next elections, which are expected to be held by late November.

Under the Bill, introduced by senior Liberal MP Norman Moore, a referendum would have to be held before mid May this year.

The Premier wants the third year of the trial to go ahead as planned, with a referendum to be held mid 2009.

The Bill passed with the support of the Greens, the Nationals and Independent MP Shelley Archer, and will now go to the Lower House for debate.

Mr Moore says he is astonished the Government did not debate the Bill.

"It's never happened before in my time," he said.

"This would have to be the quickest passage of a Bill that I can ever remember. I think they were simply asleep and not taking any notice of what was going on in the house."

-abc.net.au

The laws, announced by the New South Wales Government today, drop the age for annual medical checks by five years.

Older drivers will also either have to take the Roads and Traffic Authority's (RTA) driving test or go to an accredited driving school for an assessment when they turn 85 under the changes, due to take effect in 2009.

The RTA's powers to place restrictions and conditions on the licences of people aged 85 or older will also be expanded.

The RTA last year proposed that 85-year-old drivers be automatically restricted to driving in their local areas but Mr Roozendaal says the Government considered public submissions on the issue.

"It was clear that the notion of a local licence - one licence fits all - was not appropriate," he said.

"I said from the outset my mind was open on this matter and we believe that by maintaining the modified license option that has been in place for many, many years, we can customise modified licences for each driver that seeks one."

It'll remove the ban on therapeutic cloning currently in place in the ACT, but prohibit cloned embryos being used for reproductive purposes.

The proposed legislation would bring the ACT into line with the Commonwealth.

Both sides of the Chamber have been granted a conscience vote.

The Health Minister Katy Gallagher proposed the bill and says it is focussed on regulating research.

"The majority of this bill actually sets out the prohibitions on what can't occur you know, for example, there can not be human cloning there can not be the use of embryos beyond the 14 day period it sets out," he said.

"In fact more than half this bill is what can not occur in this research."

Opposition MLA Brendan Smyth says there is no justification for the Bill to go ahead.

"The potential that is lost there and the human life that will not go ahead, when there are huge ethical questions that have not been addressed Mr Speaker, dictates that I will vote against this bill," he said.

"I will be consistent in that I voted against abortion, I have voted against euthanasia, I have voted against capital punishment and I will vote against this."

Independent MLA Richard Mulcahy told the Assembly he's worried about the direction the proposed laws take.

"My own view is that allowing the creation of a human embryo for the purposes of experimentation, in an ethical line we should not cross," he said.

"While I think that this Bill already goes too far, it also seems to me that we're entering into dangerous territory and that we're on a slippery slope towards a place many would agree that we should not be going."

-abc.net.au

Mr Rudd has addressed an international policy think tank and spoken to Democratic presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Mr Rudd has spoken to both Democrats and it is understood that the relationship with China was a major part of both conversations.

Earlier today Mr Rudd gave a major speech to the Brookings Institution where he outlined his thoughts on China.

He said China should be encouraged to participate more in global and regional institutions.

And he said it should work with the US, Australia, Japan and Korea to deal with emerging challenges.

"We must remain vigilant to the changing strategic terrain but strategic vigilance must not be allowed of itself to become a self-fulfilling prophecy," he said.

"There is nothing predetermined about US-China conflict in the future. We decide the future by our actions today."

He noted China's military build-up and says it is not a surprise that a more affluent China spends more on its military, but he says it should be aware of the impact on the region.

Those chosen to attend include media bosses James Packer, Kerry Stokes and Mark Scott, businesswoman Margaret Jackson, former Olympians Robert de Castella and Alisa Camplin, and actors Hugh Jackman and Claudia Karvan.

The chair of the summit, Professor Glyn Davis, says almost 8,000 people applied to take part and choosing the final 1,000 was not easy.

"In making this decision about which we're all very pleased, nonetheless, we do so with a tinge of sadness because the quality was so strong and having to make choices amongst such great people is never fun," he said.

But Professor Davis says the final list represents the country's diversity.

"The 1,000 who will be there are very representative of the Australian people," he said.

"There's 51 per cent female. They come from every state and territory.

"They are from a whole range of professions - there are people here from electricians through to university professors and everything in between."

-abc.net.au

China has reportedly asked for its army to provide the security after pro-Tibetan protesters disrupted the lighting of the torch in Greece earlier this week.

Attorney-General Robert McClelland says he is not aware of any official request from China, but says any offer of assistance would not be accepted.

"The short answer is no," he said.

"Australia takes responsibility for its own security, and that is the case whether we're dealing with a visiting dignitary from overseas, whether we're dealing with APEC, whether we're dealing with a national or international sporting event."

Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith has asked his department to look into whether China has made such a request.

Earlier Mr Smith stood firm in his opposition to any boycott of the Beijing Olympics amid international concern over handling of the protests in Tibet and neighbouring parts of China.

A meeting of State Emergency Ministers and the federal Attorney-General today endorsed a push for fire-safe cigarettes to be compulsory by next year.

The meeting was told about 70 deaths a year in Australia are caused when cigarette butts start fires.

Attorney-General Robert McClelland says the Government is considering amending the Trade Practices Act to make discarded cigarettes safer.

"Given that there are quite clearly existing techniques that have been implemented overseas, we expect nothing less than those same techniques and manufacturing systems be implemented in Australia," he said.

"The timetable we've asked Treasury to work towards is early 2009."

-abc.net.au

It will boost tsunami detection in a region which has seen two tsunamis kill more than 2,000 people since 1998.

"The new buoy was deployed in the Coral Sea last week and is now operational," Environment Minister Peter Garrett says.

"It is monitoring changes in sea levels for signs of potential threat from the South Solomon and New Hebrides trenches to the east coast of Australia," Mr Garrett says.

In April 2007, the Solomon Islands were hit by a tsunami that killed at least 34 people and destroyed up to 2,500 homes.

In July 1998, two undersea quakes of magnitude 7.0 created three tsunamis that killed at least 2,100 people near the town of Aitape on Papua New Guinea's north coast.

Following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami which killed 230,000 people, Asian nations installed a series of satellite-linked tsunami detection buoys in the Indian Ocean.

Papua New Guinea and the neighbouring Solomon Islands lie on the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire", where volcanic activity and earthquakes are common. Both are developing nations which rely heavily on Australian aid.

Australia's two Deep ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunami (DART) buoys are part of the $68.9 million Australian Tsunami Warning System progressively being installed around the island continent.

The issue has resurfaced after the publication of emails between Kevin Rudd and Mr Burke, who had offered to organise a dinner for Mr Rudd in 2005.

In the emails Mr Rudd gave a different explanation for cancelling the dinner than he gave when asked about it last year.

Mr Rudd says the correspondence with Mr Burke was a mistake but one he corrected.

"When the invitation was extended by Mr Burke for the dinner you're right, initially I said yes," he said.

"Then subsequent to that I became progressively uneasy about it and I then said no and communicated by the means contained and outlined in the emails concerned."

"This with the benefit of 20-20 hindsight was something I would not have preferred to have done, I did, so it was a mistake and I've accepted full responsibility for it.

"As I have said on many occasions had I been aware of what subsequently became apparent through the CCC inquiry I would not have met him."

-abc.net.au

It has been reported that Mr Burke was contacted by Mr Rudd's staff in 2005 when he was positioning himself to challenge for the Labor leadership.

Mr Rudd's office says the emails relate only to the logistics of a cancelled function.

Dr Nelson told Channel Nine that Mr Rudd has repeatedly denied seeking Brian Burke's support in the past and he needs to come clean.

"Has Mr Rudd been honest with the Australian people in relation to his bid to become the Prime Minister of Australia?" he said.

"If Mr Rudd's staff can remember sending these emails, which we're told they do, and they can remember they related only to the so-called logistics of these meetings with Mr Burke, then the simplest thing they can do is to release those emails.

"Then Mr Rudd can sleep more soundly at night."

The Prime Minister did not comment today, so the defence of Mr Rudd's emails to Brian Burke was left to others, like Treasurer Wayne Swan and Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who fronted the media about the issue.

A barrister has confirmed he has been asked to represent a Melbourne man in what could become the first case against the Victorian Government since the apology in Federal Parliament on Wednesday.

The writ is yet to be lodged with the court.

Lyn Austin from Stolen Generations Victoria says there are more cases being prepared.

"I cannot make any comment on that case at all, but I do know that there are another 30 or 40 that are going to be doing a civil action claim," she said.

"They have a right to pursue a claim if they wish. They were removed through the policies that were upon them."

She says it is more appropriate for the court to award compensation rather than the Government.

"It's a very big talk at the moment, by the wider community and the media and anything," she said.

"It should be left to the courts and people to have that choice and make a choice of whether they take a civil claim or whether it be a class action."

-abc.net.au

It is a plea that is almost certain to fall on deaf ears, with business groups saying the level of salaries should be decided by market forces.

It is a time honoured tradition in Australia that whenever a corporate leader gets a huge pay rise, it attracts headlines and sparks outcry across talkback radio.

That is followed up by politicians saying they find the amount obscene, but ultimately it is usually a matter for the individual, their company and its shareholders.

The business lobby says, even in these times of growing inflation, the Prime Minister's suggestion is unworkable.

Peter Anderson is a spokesman for the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"If we want the best and brightest from around the world to come to Australia and to provide real value to the Australian corporate sector, then the marketplace is going to require some very large salaries to be paid from time to time," he said.

Peter Salt is a director of Salt and Shein, a firm specialising in executive recruitment.

"Over the last three years there really has been a significant increase in demand for executives, which is no longer constrained by just domestic pressure and domestic growth, it's a function of rampant international growth, and Australian talent is very highly regarded," he said.

He says MPs will not be able to reclaim foregone salary at a later date, a move backed by the Opposition.

Mr Rudd says it is a modest measure but one that is important in setting an example in the fight against inflation.

"We are not calling on working families to engage in some sort of freeze in their wage claims or wage outcomes, working families are already under enough pressure," he said.

"But we need to be able to face the Australian community in the eye and say that we, in the privileged position in this case, are doing one small bit when it comes to exercising wage restraint on our part."

Opposition Leader Breandan Nelson has supported the pay freeze.

"It just sends a signal to everyday Australians that we want to make a contribution, whatever that contribution is, to make sure that they know that we are doing our bit," he said.

Mr Rudd is urging the corporate sector, in particular CEOs around the country, to follow his lead and show wage restraint.

"Right across the country many people have responded to further claims for CEO salary increases," he said.

"Markets ultimately determine these things but in the difficult circumstance we face this year on the economy and inflation I would hope that those in the most privileged positions in the corporate sector also reflect carefully on the need for CEO wage restraint in the year ahead."

-abc.net.au

The 'Bringing Them Home' report into the Stolen Generations recommended "reparation be made in recognition of the history of gross violations of human rights".

In the ensuing 11 years, there have been only a handful of payouts, and in several high profile cases, governments have spent millions of dollars fighting compensation claims.

There was joy and tears after Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered the historic apology to the Stolen Generations in Parliament on Wednesday.

"It just brought the biggest wave of joy right through my body," said Stolen Generations descendent Michael Kirby.

"That's why I shed a tear, you know, to know the past is the past and we're going to move on."

Community elder Fay Carroll was also overwhelmed with emotion.

"I shed more than a tear, darling, believe you me," she said. "I really did cry."

But Indigenous leaders like Mick Dodson want more than words.

"I'm disheartened that the Government has ruled out compensation, but 'disheartened' doesn't mean to say I'm going to give up," he said.

Indigenous figures are calling for Mr Rudd to show even greater political leadership and take the next step and reconsider the issue of compensation.

The Federal Parliament and its surrounds will be bulging with people this morning as people crowd in to witness the historic moment.

The text of the apology was tabled in the House yesterday, and it revealed Mr Rudd will say sorry three times during his apology.

Mr Rudd says the apology will be a crucial part of the healing of the nation.

While for 11 years the Coalition has rejected the Human Rights Commission's call for an apology, there will be bipartisan support for Mr Rudd's words today.

Opposition spokesman on Indigenous affairs Tony Abbott says the Coalition has agreed to the text - which will apologise for the indignity and degradation inflicted on a proud culture - in its entirety.

"We are not going to ruin the day by quibbling over the terminology," he said.

Mr Abbott says the apology must be just a first step, and says the Government can not ignore that Indigenous people also want compensation and need concrete assistance.

"The compensation question is something that the Government has got to address," he said.

"There is an enormous problem in Indigenous Australia that is not going to be solved by this apology."

Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin, says money will be spent lifting Indigenous life expectancy rather than compensation.

"If we're going to improve the chances of an Aboriginal child born today they need to have the same level of health services as any other Australian," she said.

Hundreds of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people will be in Canberra and in cities across the nation to witness the address today, and all living former Prime Ministers except John Howard will also be in Parliament to hear the apology.

-abc.net.au

Mr Rudd has tabled the words that he will deliver tomorrow morning.

He has been widely criticised for withholding the release of the text, but has argued that he has been consulting Aboriginal people to make sure it is right.

His final version apologises for the laws and policies of successive parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss, and especially for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, communities and their country.

"For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry," the text reads.

"To the mothers and fathers, the brothers and sisters, for the breaking up of families and communities, we say sorry.

"And for the indignity and degradation thus inflicted on a proud people and a proud culture, we say sorry."

He says it is a first step where the Parliament resolves the injustices of the past must never happen again.

"A future where we harness the determination of all Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to close the gap that lies between us in life expectancy, educational achievement and economic opportunity," the text reads.

"A future where we embrace the possibility of new solutions to enduring problems where old approaches have changed.

"A future based on mutual respect, mutual resolve and mutual responsibility.

"A future where all Australians, whatever their origins, are truly equal partners, with equal opportunities and with an equal stake in shaping the next chapter in the history of this great country."

The Coalition has confirmed its bipartisan support to tomorrow's apology, now that it has seen the exact words.

The Greens will try to amend the motion to include compensation.

Aboriginal activist Michael Mansell says the language used in the apology could open the door for members of the Stolen Generations to be compensated.

"We are looking forward to working with the Prime Minister and the Government to work out the terms of the compensation package if that's what the words mean," he said.

Mr Mansell says he supports the wording of the apology, but expected it would contain more information.

"The one thing that we expected the apology would deliver was an explanation as to why the victims of the Stolen Generations were targeted by the officials from the 1930s onwards and the one thing that is missing from the apology is that explanation."

But he says he is pleased the word "sorry" is used three times in the apology.

"I think the Stolen Generations members will be very relieved that word has finally been used," he said.

"As we know, the previous prime minister refused to use the very word that the victims were looking for."

-abc.net.au

The opposition also warned the apology had opened a "can of worms", as calls for the government to financially compensate victims intensified.

The government still has not finalised the wording of the apology, to be delivered by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in parliament on Wednesday.

The manager of government business in the House of Representatives, Anthony Albanese, said the wording would be released in parliament after 5pm (AEDT) on Tuesday.

Mr Rudd said the government was trying to balance the expectations of the opposition with those of indigenous people.

"Remember who our audience is, which is indigenous people, (who want) to have an apology registered with them through the parliament," Mr Rudd said.

But opposition frontbencher Joe Hockey said it was a "debacle" the government had not already shown the wording to the opposition.

"If this is indicative of the way the government is going to run the parliament then it says that this government is arrogant in the very early days of its term in office," Mr Hockey said.