New South Wales has announced three commissioners to lead a process with Aboriginal people and communities across the state to consult with First Nations people about their desire for a Treaty process.
Former senator Aden Ridgeway, academic Todd Fernando and Koori Mail newspaper chief executive Naomi Moran will consult over the next 12 months with Indigenous people from across NSW, asking if Aboriginal communities want an agreement-making process with government, and if so, what form that process could take.
On LinkedIn, Ms Moran, a Bundjalung and Dunghutti woman, said she was "humbled" to be appointed.
"With great responsibility ahead in this new role, which is a first of its kind, I must acknowledge that the work I will carry out is not without the fight, and hard work of those who have come before us, and I know that I must continue to honour those legacies in my position," she said.
"Together with Aden Ridgeway and Dr Todd Fernando, I look forward to walking alongside my fellow Commissioners, to engage in deep listening with our communities throughout NSW to understand the views of our people and communities on Treaty."
NSW has the largest Aboriginal population in the country, and the commissioners have been appointed for a fixed two-year term, which Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, said came about after a "rigorous process that attracted strong candidates".
"The appointment of the Treaty commissioners is central to the process of listening to Aboriginal people on Treaty and agreement-making," he said.
"We get better outcomes when we listen to the needs of Aboriginal people and communities. We must ensure Aboriginal people have a direct say on matters that affect them."
The Closing the Gap Agreement, signed in 2020, includes a commitment to formal partnerships and shared decision-making with First Nations people to help close the gap across a number of metrics.
Allocated $5 million in last year's state budget, the commissioners will develop a detailed consultation plan, with consultations to then commence next year.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss welcomed the appointment of the commissioners, calling it a "milestone in the beginning of the truth and Treaty process in NSW".
"I congratulate the NSW Government in taking this crucial step and working with the community towards self-determination and healing," Commissioner Kiss said.
She said whilst Treaty was about closing the gap, she noted it was also about "reframing and repairing relationships".
"It has the potential to set a solid foundation for the future, based on recognition and respect," she said.
Treaty discussions have begun in Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and the ACT.
Victoria will shortly begin Treaty negotiations between the First Peoples' Assembly and the state government, who have championed the process publicly.
The LNP opposition in NSW, Queensland and Victoria have said they are opposed to a Treaty process, as are the new CLP government in the NT.
