SA First Nations communities ‘waiting, prepared’ to restart treaty process

ABC NEWS (Australia)

Aboriginal leaders in South Australia have called on the state government to restart treaty negotiations, saying a "lack of progress" so far has been "disappointing". But Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kyam Maher says the state government does not want to rush the process. Mr Maher says no treaties will be concluded before the next state election.

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00:00It was meant to kick-start the treaty process in SA, but seven years after the state government

00:08and Narungga Nation signed the historic Boothra agreement, communities are still waiting for

00:14treaty.

00:15I would say the lack of progress or the complete absence of any progress that I've

00:21heard about is disappointing.

00:24Labor won the last state election, promising to spend more than $2 million to restart the

00:29treaty process after it was scrapped under the former Liberal government.

00:33While SA now has a voice to parliament, the government is yet to start formally consulting

00:38on treaty.

00:39It seems that the government is taking a cautious approach to where they're going with

00:45treaty and it may be a political issue now.

00:51We will go at the pace that gives us the best result and brings along Aboriginal people.

00:56IMR says the government has started to consider treaty models, but it doesn't want a rush

01:01consultation.

01:03There are some elements of the Aboriginal leadership, a bit of fatigue, wanting a bit of a rest before

01:09re-engaging, so that of course we will respect.

01:13Our community leaders have not given me any indication that they're fatigued and are apathetic to being able to progress any negotiations.

01:25Melissa Clarke says treaty is needed sooner rather than later.

01:29Treaty with First Nations people here in South Australia can offer more stability.

01:36Treaty is the next step to restore balance.

01:40And meet the requests of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

01:43Now three or four shots.

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