The NSW government isn’t moving towards treaty despite progress being made in other states and territories.
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The state’s peak body for land rights, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC), had treaty as one of its goals for the next five years.
Northern region councillor Charles Lynch agreed the progress in Victoria and Northern Territory was promising, but he said a treaty would take a long time to get right.
It’s a way of getting recognition for the first people of the state.
- NSW Aboriginal Land Councillor Charles Lynch
He said there needed to be a “buy-in” from government and a bi-partisan arrangement, as well as comprehensive, inclusive consultation with the wider Aboriginal community.
“From NSWALC point of view, we definitely want to see a treaty,” Cr Lynch said.
“It’s a way of getting recognition for the first people of the state, and country, setting a course that allows us finally to be heard, setting a scene for future negotiation.
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“A treaty in NSW may not be completed in five years.
“I’m very aspirational of getting the framework putting a process to move the treaty discussion forward.”
For too long, people have been boxed-in to 230 years of history, Cr Lynch said and a treaty would change a lot of things, helping move towards economic independence and recognition.
“We’re talking about a history of 65,000 years and it’s one to share with everybody,” he said.
When questioned by The Leader, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Sarah Mitchell, wouldn’t comment on whether the government would pursue a treaty.
Ms Mitchell said the government was committed to continuing its “big-picture policies”.
“As Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, I am committed to working hand-in-hand with Aboriginal communities to provide outcomes for our First Australians,” she said.
“The NSW Government’s big-picture policies, such as the Aboriginal Languages Act, Local Decision Making and the Aboriginal Procurement Policy have been developed in close consultation and partnership with the Aboriginal community and I am committed to continuing this work.”
Victoria recently became the first state in Australia to enter into formal treaty negotiations with Aboriginal Victorians.
NSW Labor leader Luke Foley has pledged to seek a treaty, if his party wins government at next year’s state election.