A landmark treaty report has been released by the Northern Territory government recommending a First Nations government system for Indigenous Territorians.
The 180-page document has been handed down by the Northern Territory government following years of consultation beginning with a 2018 pledge to work towards a treaty with the Territory’s Indigenous people.
The document was inked in the community of Barunga, 30 years after Indigenous leaders delivered the iconic statement calling for better rights to then Prime Minister Bob Hawke.
The report recommends a process for Indigenous people to move towards First Nations governments through individual treaties between the government and First Nations groups, with a fundamental objective being to gain as much self-determination as possible.
Acting Treaty Commissioner Tony McAvoy, who began in the role last year, said following the recommendations would ease high rates of disadvantage.
The report recommends First Nations governments that operate similar to local governments before taking on widened responsibilities.
Other recommendations include the creation of an Aboriginal ombudsman, a First Nations Treaty Tribunal and a platform of legislative reforms that would pave the way to treaty-making.
The Northern Territory government has until the end of the year to formally respond to the report.
