First Nations leaders are taking a stand, demanding a federal treaty and a process of truth-telling, while highlighting the resistance faced in some states. With over 350 people gathering at the Together for Treaty National Summit in Melbourne, the focus is on Victoria's groundbreaking treaty initiative.
A Call for Unity and Recognition
First Nations leaders, Elders, and advocates are urging the federal government to initiate a national treaty and truth-telling process. They emphasize that many critical decisions affecting First Nations peoples, including those related to land, water, climate, and cultural heritage, fall under the federal government's jurisdiction. Without a federal process, responsibility becomes fragmented, and recognition remains inconsistent.
The Power of Victoria's Example
Victoria's introduction of a treaty last year has been praised as a significant step forward. Conference organizers penned an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, emphasizing the critical nature of a unifying federal-level treaty and truth-telling process. Jackie Huggins, a board director for Common Threads and the ABC's Elder-in-residence, accused some states, like Queensland, of being hostile to the idea of treaty discussions.
In Queensland, the LNP government scrapped the state's Path to Treaty Act shortly after taking power in 2024, despite Premier David Crisafulli's campaign pledge. Meanwhile, in New South Wales, treaty consultations led by two commissioners are underway.
Professor Huggins, a Bidjara and Birri-Gubbu Juru woman, believes a federal treaty is long overdue, and Victoria's example is a powerful one. She highlights that the sky hasn't fallen in Victoria, and the same was true when native title was recognized.
A Generational Fight for Recognition
Larissa Baldwin-Roberts, CEO of Common Threads, describes the push for a federal treaty as a generational fight, attracting both the old and the young. She emphasizes the social license for such a treaty, stating that when people understand what treaty entails, they often support it as a tangible way forward.
Last year, Victoria's treaty was signed and formalized as law, becoming Australia's first modern treaty agreement with Aboriginal people. Two traditional owner groups in regional Victoria have formally entered the state's Treaty Negotiations Register, allowing talks toward individual treaties to progress.
The Importance of Truth-Telling
Travis Lovett, the former deputy chair and commissioner of the Yoorook Justice Commission, emphasizes the crucial role of truth-telling led by the federal government. He believes it is essential for bringing the country together and facilitating healing for First Nations people, which must be based on truth and justice.
Controversy and Opposition
However, not everyone is on board with this initiative. Victorian opposition leader Jess Wilson has stated that her government, if elected in November, would repeal the state's treaty with Aboriginal people. She argues that Australians have already had their say on the matter through a referendum, and they voted no.
Similarly, South Australian shadow treasurer Ben Hood has indicated that if their government is elected next month, they will repeal the state's First Nations Voice to Parliament, which would halt any progress towards treaty or truth-telling.
The federal government has been contacted for comment on these developments and the ongoing push for a national treaty and truth-telling process.
