Chief Minister Eva Lawler, Selena Uibo to sign Law, Culture and Justice Group agreement at Barunga Festival

Thirty-six years after a Prime Minister promised a Treaty at Barunga Festival, the Territory Government is expected to sign a historic agreement giving Barunga and Wugularr communities a greater say in law, culture and justice issues.

BARUNGA, AUSTRALIA L to R Tyquade Waterloo 11, Kiara Daniels 7 and Amaya Daniels 5 June 9 2023 - on the Bungull Ground ahead of the 3 day Barunga Festival a celebration of culture, sport and history. Picture Glenn Campbell/Bagala Aboriginal Corp

The Territory Government is expected to sign a new justice agreement with two First Nations communities at the birthplace of the national Treaty movement this weekend.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler and Arnhem representative Selena Uibo are expected to sign a new Law, Culture and Justice Group agreement on Friday morning, ahead of the annual Barunga Festival.

“The Barunga Festival celebrates the Barunga Statement which marks the significant movement by the Northern Land Council and Central Land Councils for Treaty,” Ms Uibo said.

“It is significant that at the beginning of the 2024 Barunga Festival the Chief Minister and I are marking the launch of a Law, Culture and Justice Group which will focus on positive justice pathways for Barunga and Wugularr communities, showing the strong leadership of the Bagala traditional owners.”

Chief Minister Eva Lawler and Arnhem representative Selena Uibo are expected to sign a new Law, Culture and Justice Group agreement on Friday morning, ahead of the annual Barunga Festival. Picture Glenn Campbell

The signing of the Law, Culture and Justice group comes six years after NT Government signed the Barunga Agreement, a memorandum of understanding to activate the historic 1988 Barunga Statement.

It marks the 36th anniversary of the Barunga Statement, which led to Prime Minister Bob Hawke making the still-unfulfilled promise of a treaty between Aboriginal people and the Commonwealth.

Barunga Festival 2023 in Northern Territory. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakrhin

Among the 11 calls of the 1988 Statement was for a police and justice system “which recognises our customary laws and frees us from discrimination and any activity which may threaten our identity or security, interfere with our freedom of expression or association, or otherwise prevent our full enjoyment and exercise of universally recognised human rights and fundamental freedoms”.

Further details of the new law and justice agreement are likely to be revealed at this weekend’s festival following the signing at the Barunga Roper Gulf Regional Council Office.

The Territory Government restarted its Treaty community consultation earlier this year following a 12-month hiatus after scrapping the recommendations from a $4.2m report.

Thousands of people are expected to travel to the small community of around 300 people, 80km southeast of Katherine for Barunga Festival.

Ms Uibo said alongside celebrating a new step in honouring the Barunga Statement, this weekend’s festival was also about sharing the beauty of First Nations culture.

“I support the Festival as an ongoing celebration which focuses on sharing of culture, Aboriginal history, the treaty movement, supporting music, competition and activities for communities near and far,” she said.

Thousands of people are expected to travel to the small community of around 300 people, 80km southeast of Katherine.

The festival traditionally brings together the top echelons of Australian politics, while showcasing local artist, music and bring together communities for AFL, softball, cricket and basketball.