2025-02-11
Background
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has confirmed they will not pursue plans to establish a treaty with Aboriginal people, a process which has been in the works for decades and formally agreed to by the NT in 2018. The recommendations for a treaty process from the landmark Northern Territory Treaty Commission Report, published in 2022, was the result of years of careful consultation. The NT Greens support truth telling and treaty processes in the NT and across Australia.
Quotes attributable to Jonathan Parry, NT Greens Convenor
“This announcement is a devastating blow for Aboriginal Territorians. The Finocchiaro CLP Government has once again demonstrated disregard for the rights and aspirations of Aboriginal people.
“This announcement is an assault on self-determination for Aboriginal Territorians. The NT Greens stand in solidarity with First Peoples and their calls for self-determination”
“The Northern Territory Treaty Commission Report was the result of broad, careful consultation and provided a useful, considered framework for a Treaty process. It’s so disappointing to see another important piece of work stuffed into a drawer to score political points.”
“One of the key recommendations of the Report was to strengthen local government, which the CLP claims to be committed to. They are so blinded by ideology that they’re willing to throw the baby out with the bath water.”
“In light of the most recent Closing The Gap figures, it’s more clear than ever that First Nations people need to have control over matters that affect their lives. Treaty is fundamentally critical in supporting self-determination and closing the gap.”