NT Treaty and Makarrata process restarted 12-month after $4.2m report tabled

The Territory has restarted consultations on a Treaty with First Nations people, a year after a $4.2m report was unceremoniously shelved.

The Territory Treaty proposal has been dusted off following a 12-month hiatus, with the government appearing to backtrack on its three-year $4.2m report.

Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty minister Chansey Paech has confirmed that the Territory would be proceeding with plans to develop a Treaty and Makarrata, a truth-telling process.

“We are reviving the Treaty Working Group to develop and move forward on the principles and legislative underpinnings for a treaty making framework with the Land Councils and other First Nations groups,” Mr Paech confirmed on Wednesday.

The Attorney-General said Treaty symposiums would be held in Alice Springs and Darwin in early April, “to provide the community an opportunity (to) plan a pathway forward”.

Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty minister Chansey Paech has confirmed that the Territory would be proceeding with plans to develop a Treaty and Makarrata, a truth-telling process. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

It comes seven years after the government first committed to a Treaty conversation, and nearly five years after the first Treaty Commissioner was announced.

The $4.2m Final Report was delivered in mid-2022, saying a historic agreement could be delivered within three years, including the establishment of a First Nations government and complete repeal of the current NT Treaty Commissioner Act 2020.

Health Minister Selena Uibo announces new way for nurse practitioners to apply to work in the Northern Territory. Picture: Fia Walsh

However that December then Treaty minister Selena Uibo shelved the 180-page report and its recommendations, suggesting the process go back to the consultation stage.

“There is no consensus view, even among Aboriginal Territorians and organisations, on what treaty framework is right for the Territory,” Ms Uibo said.

“Working through these complexities will take time and require more thinking and talking.”

Last week, Mr Paech claimed the 12-month delay was in line of the “wishes of communities” to avoid “over fatigue or conflate matters” during the Voice referendum.

“We will also be rolling out a truth, healing, and reconciliation grant program to support Aboriginal community groups and organisations to undertake activities to support Aboriginal Territorians to share their truth and lived experiences,” he said.

NT Treaty Commissioner Tony McAvoy. Picture: Supplied

“(To) recognise and raise awareness about the impact of Australia’s history and its ongoing effects, and promoting and creating opportunities for healing, reconciliation and redress.”

A Makarrata process would follow in the path of Victoria, which was the first place in Australia to start an independent truth-telling hearing, the Yoo-rrook Justice Commission.

The Northern Land Council chief executive Joe Martin-Jard welcomed the restarted Treaty process, stating: “Treaty-making is a long and complex undertaking but it will provide benefit for all Territorians”.

“The NLC will support comprehensive engagement with Aboriginal people as we learn more about the government’s plans.”

Less than eight months out of the election, Mr Martin-Jard raised his concerns about the process being “hijacked for parties’ short-term politics”.

The CLP backed away from the treaty process in October, following the defeat of the Voice referendum.

“The CLP does not support Treaty … (we) will empower Aboriginal Territorians by acting on their calls for widespread changes to local government that give back control to their communities,” Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said.

Originally published as NT Treaty and Makarrata process restarted 12-month after $4.2m report tabled