Rudd delays indigenous report card

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will not deliver a report card on the government's efforts
to close the gap between black and white living standards this week as promised.
Mr Rudd was expected to comment on Labor's progress on the eve of the first
anniversary of the formal apology to the stolen generations, delivered on February
13 last year.
But the report has been delayed because of the Victorian bushfires, a spokeswoman
for Mr Rudd said.
"The prime minister had planned to deliver the government's report card on closing
the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians in parliament on
Thursday," she said.
"Due to the national tragedy of the unfolding bushfire crisis in Victoria, it has
unfortunately become necessary to defer the report card until the next sitting of
parliament."
Parliament sits again on February 23.
Mr Rudd remained committed to his promise to deliver an annual report card, his
spokeswoman said.
In recognition of the anniversary and all indigenous Australians, the Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander flags will be flown beside the Australian flag at Parliament
House and government buildings on Friday.