The Territory Labor Government has today released the Northern Territory Treaty Commission Final Report, a landmarkstep towards reconciliation and self-determination for the NT’s Aboriginal people.
The report, which was delivered to Minister for Treaty and Local Decision Making Selena Uibo by the Acting Treaty Commissioner Tony McAvoy SC earlier this month, includes recommendations for the development of a Treaty Making Framework in the Northern Territory.
It follows a comprehensive consultation process with Aboriginal Territorians and stakeholders, including Land Councils and Aboriginal representative bodies.
Sparked by the 2018 Barunga Agreement that committed to the development of a framework for negotiating a treaty with Aboriginal Territorians, the report is the culmination of decades of community advocacy, and three years of consultation and reporting by the Treaty Commission.
It will now be considered by the Territory Labor Government, which will provide an interim response when the report is tabled to Parliament during the July Sittings. A formal response will be delivered by the end of the year.
Mr McAvoy’s tenure as Acting Treaty Commissioner has now expired, however he will continue to work with the NT Government on Treaty matters.
Read the Treaty Commission Final Report Treaty Commission Final Report 2022 (treatynt.com.au) here.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:
“The Territory Labor Government is committed to empowering First Nations people.
“The release of this report represents an important first step on the path towards recognition and representation of Aboriginal Territorians, and the facilitation of self-determination that is the cornerstone of Local Decision Making.
“Discussion of Treaty in the NT is timely and reflects broader conversations occurring across Australia.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Treaty and Local Decision Making Selena Uibo:
“Consultations with Aboriginal people across the Territory, Land Councils and Aboriginal organisations showed there was significant support for treaties, and the Territory Labor Government is proud to advance this process.
“We will consider the recommendations over the coming months and provide a formal whole-of-Government response that will set the foundation for future agreements between the NT Government and Aboriginal Territorians.
“I extend my thanks to Mr McAvoy and the NT Treaty Commission, Aboriginal Territorians, Land Councils and other stakeholders who have contributed to this significant body of work.”
