The policies included the forcible removal of indigenous children from their families on the premise that Aborigines were a doomed race and saving the children was a humane alternative. The practice did not end until the 1970s.
Howard angered many Australians by refusing to apologize, arguing this generation should not be made to feel guilty for mistakes of the past.
Meanwhile, Howard's Liberal party was in disarray as it headed into opposition. Howard is expected to lose his place in parliament, and three contenders have said they will fight for the leadership. A party vote is set for tomorrow.
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