Released 17/03/2022
On National Close the Gap Day, Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Rachel Stephen-Smith met with Ngunnawal traditional custodians to discuss the next step in a Treaty process for the ACT.
Today the ACT Government announced that Professor Kerry Arabena has been appointed to facilitate preliminary talks about what a Treaty would mean for the ACT’s Traditional Owners.
“Treaties are agreements between governments and Traditional Owners and can include measures to recognise rights and make reparation for the ongoing social, economic and cultural impacts of colonisation,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“Ultimately, what a Treaty might look like in the ACT and how we get there is a process that must be led by Traditional Owners and those who have a connection to the lands within the ACT.
“While the ACT Government committed to commencing Treaty conversations in the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019‑2028, we are still at an early stage of this process.
“We have seen from other jurisdictions that Treaty conversations take time, and we know there will be challenges along the way.
“The $20 million Healing and Reconciliation Fund has been established to facilitate community healing and self-determination. Supporting the Treaty process is a priority under the Fund.
“The discussions will take place in the coming weeks and months with the process led by Traditional Owners.
“The ACT Government acknowledges the ongoing strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in sustaining the world’s oldest living cultures.
“We recognise that structural change in the way governments work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is needed to close the gap and we remain committed to ongoing action underpinned by the principle of self-determination,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases