The Territory Labor Government is making positive progress towards Treaty, today releasing the Treaty Commissioner's Treaty Discussion Paper.
The Treaty Discussion Paper will form the basis of the Treaty Commission's community consultations in the next few months. This is another important step towards the delivery of the final report, due in early 2022.
Treaty will provide a springboard for Aboriginal economic development, and a process for truth telling that will assist in resetting relationships.
More than 50 education and awareness sessions with Aboriginal organisations were held across the Territory – from Groote Eylandt to Alice Springs – in preparation of this discussion paper.
Key matters discussed in the paper include:
- why treaties are necessary and treaty content;
- standards for treaties;
- the legal context of treaties in the NT;
- international and national best practice in treaty making; and
- a suggested framework and negotiating model for treaties in the NT.
The next stage of the Treaty Commissioner's work will involve extensive consultations with Aboriginal Territorians on the Discussion Paper's contents.
To view the Discussion Paper visit the NT Treaty Commissioner website at treatynt.com.au/publications
As noted by Chief Minister and Minister for Treaty Michael Gunner:
"We have taken great strides in delivering a Treaty for the Territory, with the appointment of a highly respected commissioner and now the release of the discussion paper.
"This isn't about doing something quickly, this is about doing something right.
"This discussion paper is positive progress, which will guide the work for Treaty, making sure the voices of Aboriginal Territorians across the Territory are heard.
"The Territory Labor Government is supporting Aboriginal Territorians through local decision making in remote communities, investing $1.1 billion in remote housing over 10 years to reduce overcrowding, and we are investing in the expansion of early childhood services in remote communities, to give all children, no matter where they live, the best start in life."
As noted by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Selena Uibo:
"The Independent Northern Territory Treaty Commissioner will work with Aboriginal Territorians to discuss what Treaty means to them and how to progress it.
"The Barunga Agreement committed the Northern Territory to a new path of reconciliation, one we have been walking the past year not only with the appointment of Professor Dodson but with the signing of LDM agreements across the Territory.
"These partnerships ensure decisions for communities are locally led. Local decisions are the best decisions."
As noted by Treaty Commissioner, Professor Mick Dodson, AM:
"I am extremely pleased to have delivered my Discussion Paper to the Chief Minister and I am now looking forward to getting on the road to discuss its contents with Aboriginal Territorians. I am seeking honest and constructive feedback on the Discussion Paper and I am particularly keen to hear about things you feel I may have missed out.
"I would like to thank my team for their assistance in putting the Discussion Paper together."
