9 June 2022
Acting Treaty Commissioner Tony McAvoy SC has delivered his final Treaty Report to Minister for Treaty and Local Decision Making Selena Uibo.
The report, which includes recommendations for the development of a Treaty Making Framework in the Northern Territory, follows a comprehensive consultation process with Aboriginal communities.
The Treaty Report will now be considered by the Territory Labor Government which – as per the Treaty Commissioner Act 2020 – will publicly release the report within 21 days; then table it in the Legislative Assembly at the July Sittings.
As part of the Barunga Agreement in 2019, the Territory Labor Government committed $4.2 million over three years to support the Treaty process in the NT, including funding for the Treaty Commissioner, a Treaty Commission office, and support from the Aboriginal Interpreter Service.
The Treaty Commissioner’s tasks included:
gauging support in the NT for a treaty between the Territory and Aboriginal peoples of the Territory;considering what a treaty in the Territory should seek to achieve;considering what outcomes are possible for Aboriginal peoples of the Territory under a treaty; andproviding advice on matters relating to the treaty.
The Acting Treaty Commissioner’s tenure has now formally expired, although he will continue to work with the NT Government on Treaty matters.
Photo: Minister for Treaty and Local Decision Making Selena Uibo with Acting Treaty Commissioner Tony McAvoy.
