The Tasmanian government has announced funding to establish truth and healing commissioners. However, it says it will no longer progress a treaty with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community. The funding announcement has been welcomed by some Aboriginal organisations, but the decision to abandon the treaty process has disappointed others.
00:00Less than a year ago, Aboriginal people and supporters camped on Parliament lawns in Hobart demanding a treaty.
00:08Now, the Tasmanian government says it's not happening.
00:12Instead, it'll appoint commissioners to guide an Aboriginal-led truth-telling and healing process.
00:18This is a first, but also an historic step forward for Tasmania.
00:25A moment of deep significance for Tasmanian Aboriginal people.
00:29Where do we want?
00:30Free!
00:31When do we want it?
00:32Now!
00:33In 2021, a government-commissioned report recommended legislating a framework to make truth-telling and treaty happen.
00:40I do agree that truth-telling is a necessary first step, but I'm disappointed in the dropping of the commitment to treaty.
00:49The Aboriginal Advisory Group was set up to advise the government on treaty and truth-telling.
00:54I hear the frustrations of people saying we want a treaty, but I think we've got to bring everyone along.
01:00As Aboriginal people, we know we want a treaty, but we've got to bring everyone along to the truth-telling first.
01:05Both of the groups that they've set up have recommended treaty and truth-telling, and now we see that the government's ignored that advice.
01:16The government's announcement includes funding for Aboriginal organisations, including Reconciliation Tasmania, which has welcomed the commitment to truth-telling, but says that should be just the first step.
01:27There's no point in having truth-telling if the outcome is predetermined. Truth-telling needs to open the way forward, not be closed.
01:37Supporters of a treaty say it could have led to tangible outcomes for Aboriginal people, such as land rights and compensation.
01:44While the government says truth-telling is a critical step towards recognising past injustices and moving towards healing.
01:51It says it will now work with Aboriginal people on the process of appointing the commissioners.
01:57Interestingly, particularly, seven-old people on the basis of Ça Tips is asked for the
Be the first to comment