Peter Gutwein,Premier
Following feedback from Tasmanian Aboriginal organisations on the Pathway to Truth-telling and Treaty Report and its recommendations, I can advise that while there is a range of views, there is broad support to take further steps on both a Truth-telling process and Treaty process in Tasmania.
However, the feedback was very clear that these processes must be led by Tasmanian Aboriginal people, and they must co-design this work.
Accordingly, again as a result of the feedback received, the Government will establish an Aboriginal Advisory body that can, through co-design, work with the Government to establish these two processes.
This Advisory body representing Tasmanian Aboriginals will also provide advice on the other recommendations in the Report and on matters that affect Tasmanian Aboriginal people.
This will not be an easy task, and it will require goodwill from all sides to take these matters forward, but my Government is up for it.
We want to take the next steps on this path, but the path has to be one that is co-designed with the Tasmanian Aboriginal people.
However, I want to be very clear that the Truth-telling Commission, when established, will not be tasked with determining Aboriginality or eligibility.
While I understand this is a vexed issue for some, the Government remains committed to its current Eligibility Policy.
The Government will now invite representatives of all registered Aboriginal community organisations to come together to provide advice on the establishment of the Aboriginal Advisory body, its membership and terms of reference, and how it will represent Aboriginal people in Tasmania.
I intend to issue the invitations shortly and hold this meeting as soon as possible, as a demonstration of our commitment to co-design and ensure there is Aboriginal leadership in the decisions that affect Aboriginal people.
The Government will also allocate up to $500,000 in the upcoming Budget to support this process as it progresses.
To support this new Aboriginal Advisory body, the Government will establish an Aboriginal Affairs, whole of Government Division within DPAC, comprising the Office of Aboriginal Affairs and Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania, as well as staff from other Departments, such as Health and Education.
This new Division will be tasked to oversee and coordinate the Government's significant Aboriginal Affairs agenda, informed by the views of Aboriginal people, which includes the Truth-telling and Treaty processes, as well as Closing the Gap, a new Aboriginal Heritage Act, and finalising the Model for Returning Land.
My Government is committed to continuing on our pathway to achieving reconciliation with Tasmanian Aboriginal people, who have been custodians of this Island for more than 40,000 years.
This is a journey we need to go on together, to ensure a more equitable and just future for generations to come.
