Northern Territory takes key step towards Treaty

Emma Ruben
Emma Ruben Published December 30, 2022 at 4.21am (AWST)

The Northern Territory government released its response to the NT Treaty Commission's Final Report on Thursday.

In a statement, the Territory government said it is prepared to work with Aboriginal Territorians to support the development of the treaty process, and have established a Treaty Unit within the Office of Aboriginal Affairs.

The Treat Commission began work in 2019, consulting with Aboriginal people across the NT to develop "an informed framework" for future treaty negotiations.

Minister for Treaty Selena Uibo tabled the Final Report in Parliament on July 26 this year.

The response notes the Territory government will now consult and work with Aboriginal Land Councils to establish First Nations forums for Aboriginal Territorians to participate in a Territory-wide treaty and truth-telling process.

On Thursday Minister Uibo said there is still a lot more complex work to be done.

"This work is likely to be influenced by developments nationally, namely the Commonwealth's own treaty agenda and the development of First Nations Voices at the local, regional and national levels," she said.

"Careful consideration will also need to be given to how treaties recognise, interface with and build on the various existing laws, policies and structures devoted to recognising, protecting and advancing the rights and interests of Aboriginal Territorians."

In a statement also issued on Thursday, the government said further steps will be informed in 2023 with the results of stakeholder engagement and developments at a federal level.

"The Treaty Unit is responsible for developing and implementing treaty-related legislation and policy and engaging with the Commonwealth around Voice developments and funding for the treaty process," a statement said.

"While the NT government does not expect Aboriginal Territorians to speak with one voice when it comes to treaty - we encourage everyone to make sure their voice is heard in the process so we can deliver on a framework that underpins and drives real outcomes for Territorians, no matter where they live."

The next steps in the treaty process are being progressed by the Treaty Unit within the Department of the Chief Minister's Office of Aboriginal Affairs.

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