Victorian organisations agree: “TREATY IS NOT A DIRTY WORD”

23/09/2008

Key Victorian leaders last night agreed that the way forward for Reconciliation is for negotiated Treaties to be developed at the local, state and national levels.

Speaking at a Reconciliation Victoria Public Forum, Michael Gorton, Chair of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, Muriel Bamblett, CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, Graham Atkinson, Co-chair of both Native Title Services and the Victorian Traditional Owners Land Justice Group, and Frank Hytten, CEO of Reconciliation Victoria all agreed that the next step on the road to real reconciliation lies in the development of meaningful Treaties between Traditional Owners and governments at all levels.

Consensus was reached that the time has now come to get serious about what is required: a formalised Treaty which outlives the whims of governments and ensures that Indigenous people can stand proud as respected equals in their own country.

Michael Gorton, Chair of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, expressing a personal view, stated that local and national Treaties are the next inevitable steps towards making reconciliation real, lasting and permanent: “We have to move beyond our fear of the word Treaty. If we’re serious about reconciliation, about making a difference, and about respect, then we must come to an agreement between equals. This should be a negotiation between two groups, coming together to forge a strong and enriched nation. We have to call it a Treaty,to make it permanent and lasting, and we shouldn’t be afraid of calling it a Treaty. Many other nations that have developed Treaties, like the USA, Canada and NZ, have not fallen into a black hole. They have grown together.”

Graham Atkinson from the Victorian Land Justice Action Group concurred: “Whether it’s local land justice agreements or a broader national framework, Treaties are the way forward for reconciliation and any Treaty must be a negotiation among equals. It cannot be imposed. This will take time. It will be difficult and it will require compromise on both sides. But we must be clear - there is no other way.”

Muriel Bamblett from the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency reminded those present that a meaningful Treaty will lead to tangible outcomes in the lives of Indigenous people as empowerment is the strongest weapon against dysfunction: “This is not about symbolism, it’s about concrete outcomes. A Treaty is about making a commitment, not unlike the covenant of marriage. Our vows are not only binding, they also have the potential to bind us together and to strengthen us.”

Frank Hytten, CEO of Reconciliation Victoria stated that the onus is now on non-Indigenous people to come to the table with something to offer. He stated: “If reconciliation is to become a reality and we are serious about Indigenous rights, then we must hear what Indigenous people have been telling us for decades. Negotiated Treaties with governments at all levels are the way forward. Indigenous people must drive this process. Non-Indigenous supporters can clear the road by spreading the message that Treaty is not a dirty word.”

Further comment available from all speakers.

For more information and interviews contact Donna Morabito: 9662 1645 or 0410 326 837, donna.morabito@reconciliationvic.org.au. See www.reconciliationvic.org.au