Treaty Now!
Prime Minister Albanese claims his government is committed to truth-telling and treaty. But in the same breath, he told the nation the Treaty process is the responsibility of the states.1
This is a huge roadblock as Queensland and Victoria, the 2 states who've made the most progress, both have conservative oppositions that don't support Treaty.
We cannot be distracted by the same tired culture wars conservative politicians, like Dutton, continue to use to stoke fear and division.2
We're calling on the Albanese Government to fulfil their election promise for truth-telling and a Treaty, something our communities have been calling on for decades.
First Nations elders ignited the call for a treaty decades ago. We cannot afford to wait another half-century for it to happen.
Treaties are more than agreements. It is a clear commitment to resolve grievances and set frameworks for future relations. It's about First Nations respect and recognition.
A Treaty could look like:
The Treaty of Waitangi was formalised in 1840 between the British Crown and Maori people of New Zealand. Intended by the Maori people to preserve their law, protect Maori trade and guarantee Maori control of land and other resources.3
In the Americas, hundreds of treaties have been signed since 1788 — ratified agreements with the government to ensure their economic, social and cultural rights are protected.4,5
Our country is the only Commonwealth nation that does not have a treaty with its First Nations people — a global embarrassment.
Across the country, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are working with states and territories to advance treaties. Victoria is leading this process, establishing the democratically elected First People's Assembly who are on track to begin treaty negotiations at the start of 2024.6
A Treaty could look like:
- Strong land rights
- Financial compensation
- Recognition of historic wrongdoing
- And more
The Treaty of Waitangi was formalised in 1840 between the British Crown and Maori people of New Zealand. Intended by the Maori people to preserve their law, protect Maori trade and guarantee Maori control of land and other resources.3
In the Americas, hundreds of treaties have been signed since 1788 — ratified agreements with the government to ensure their economic, social and cultural rights are protected.4,5
Our country is the only Commonwealth nation that does not have a treaty with its First Nations people — a global embarrassment.
Across the country, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are working with states and territories to advance treaties. Victoria is leading this process, establishing the democratically elected First People's Assembly who are on track to begin treaty negotiations at the start of 2024.6
Victoria - Victoria is leading the way with the First People's Assembly and the Yoorrook Justice Commission overseeing the state's truth-telling process.
South Australia - South Australia is pushing ahead with a state-based Voice, instead of a Treaty, with elections scheduled in March 2024.
Queensland – State based treaty is being threatened in Queensland. While new Labor Premier Steven Miles is pushing ahead with a 10-member institute, the state's opposition leader David Crisafulli has backflipped on their bipartisan support.
Northern Territory – Treaty process in the Northern Territory has stalled, with the local government proposing wide-scale reform of remote councils instead.
New South Wales – In New South Wales, the government plans to run a secretive consultation process but won't commit to anything beyond the state's election in 2027.
Western Australia - Western Australia has not yet committed to a formal treaty process.
Tasmania - Consultation with First Nations people has started in Tasmania but it still has yet to plot a pathway to Treaty.
ACT - The Australian Capital Territory Government has an agreement with First Nations people that expires in 2028 and is exploring a treaty process.
South Australia - South Australia is pushing ahead with a state-based Voice, instead of a Treaty, with elections scheduled in March 2024.
Queensland – State based treaty is being threatened in Queensland. While new Labor Premier Steven Miles is pushing ahead with a 10-member institute, the state's opposition leader David Crisafulli has backflipped on their bipartisan support.
Northern Territory – Treaty process in the Northern Territory has stalled, with the local government proposing wide-scale reform of remote councils instead.
New South Wales – In New South Wales, the government plans to run a secretive consultation process but won't commit to anything beyond the state's election in 2027.
Western Australia - Western Australia has not yet committed to a formal treaty process.
Tasmania - Consultation with First Nations people has started in Tasmania but it still has yet to plot a pathway to Treaty.
ACT - The Australian Capital Territory Government has an agreement with First Nations people that expires in 2028 and is exploring a treaty process.
[1] Albanese commits to treaty and truth-telling as Indigenous children fail to thrive, Sydney Morning Herald, 13 Feb 2024.
[2] Peter Dutton calls for boycott of Woolworths after Australia Day merchandise dropped, The Guardian, 11 January 2024.
[3] The Treaty of Waitangi, Agreements Treaties and Negotiated Settlements June 2020.
[4] Treaties in The United States of America, Agreements Treaties and Negotiated Settlements June 2020.
[5] Treaties in Canada, Agreements Treaties and Negotiated Settlements June 2020.
[6] Australian states to push ahead with voice and treaty processes in absence of federal body, The Guardian 16 October 2023.
[3] The Treaty of Waitangi, Agreements Treaties and Negotiated Settlements June 2020.
[4] Treaties in The United States of America, Agreements Treaties and Negotiated Settlements June 2020.
[5] Treaties in Canada, Agreements Treaties and Negotiated Settlements June 2020.
[6] Australian states to push ahead with voice and treaty processes in absence of federal body, The Guardian 16 October 2023.
ADD YOUR NAME
To the Albanese government,
We urge you to commit to strong treaties with First Nations people.
This is a crucial step toward a more just and respectful future where First Nations solutions and strength are uplifted and the right to self-determination is protected.
In taking action, I agree to GetUp's Privacy Policy.